Every time I stand on the dais at a championship, with my target in front of me, my shoulders carry the responsibility of making my country proud and various thoughts of winning a medal for people who have worked behind my success come to my mind. Though they are motivational, yet a huge pressure of performance builds inside.
That is when I think of Lord Jagannath who carries the responsibility of the whole universe on His shoulders and carries it with precision. The doubts in my mind fade away and a gush of adrenaline starts flowing in my veins, making me stronger and confident to lift the target.
I have always felt that Lord Jagannath is my inner strength and He has always guided me and been with me during testing times, making me the champion I am today. This year I am training in Patiala for the upcoming London Olympics where I will be competing on July 31. Before the selections I had some fitness issues that made it doubtful for me to take part in the biggest sporting event, participating in which has always been my dream.
But I held on to my faith and prayed Lord Jagannath to help me recover when I visited the Puri temple during my last visit to Odisha.
The unrest in my mind instantly calmed as I entered the temple. A sense of joy filled in as if indicating that all will be well and I started feeling positive about making it to the Olympics. It was a divine feeling as if Lord Jagannath was connecting to me and giving me a sign to trust Him.
When I appeared for the fitness test, the injury had improved and I was selected for my dream event. I wish and pray that He helps me perform my best at the Olympics so that I can make my nation proud by winning a medal. To help me be confident, I will carry a picture of Lord Jagannath with me when in London.
