Drama in TNGA 2022 meet

Srishti's event was on Saturday and she performed remarkably well on all the 4 apparatus. There has been a big improvement in her performance. On Sunday, the results were posted outside the gymnastics hall. Srishti was placed second in Beam apparatus and in all round (overall score). The all round score is calculated by adding up her scores in all 4 apparatus. We expected her to either be first or second in Beam and we were not even thinking about overall score. I was almost into tears when I saw that she was overall second. Its a huge thing. I was very excited. Srishti also expressed her happiness after seeing the results. But, her coach already told parents not to go by the scores displayed outside, and to wait for the medal ceremony to know the results, because he suspected something wrong in the display. But, I had watched the entire event and I was convinced that Srishti's results were indeed real.

During the medal ceremony, she got the silver medal for Beam. But, her name was not called for Silver in All Round Championship. I was shattered and I am seeing her in all smiles cheering her friends. After a while, I asked her what's happening. She is like, sir already told na...the result outside might be wrong...That's it. The results did not seem to bother her. I was like, go to talk to sir and find out. She is like "not needed ma. Why do you look worried for this? I don't want to talk to Sir and all. I want to spend time with my friends and have fun. If you want, you go and talk."

I generally do not talk much to people and I was filled with hesitation. I was just not able to pull up myself to go and fight for it. I was cursing Shankar, because he was outside. Generally, in such situations, he does the talking. I felt abandoned with no one to help. Many other parents also were frustrated to see that Srishti did not get the silver for all round. Just few minutes back they were telling me that in the whole gang, Srishti deserves the most for all the hard work she has put in, etc. Now they were also shocked. 

Then I spoke to one parent who knows a lot about gymnastics and confirmed with her on how the scoring system works. Then she also persuaded me to go and talk to Sir and find out. Even if there is mistake in the scores, we should at least know her real scores to work on it. Then, I gathered courage and went to talk to the coach. The coach is always a very supportive person. I don't know why I was scared. First he told, "Mam, I told already not to believe in the score outside. Only the deserved person must win mam. Outside score is wrong. Whatever they announced during medal ceremony is only correct." I knew that after every event, the team coach collects the scores of all his students from the judge. The overall second prize was given to Srishti's classmate and I was pretty sure that Srishti's score will be more than the other girl. I was able to estimate their score difference. I explained the math to sir and asked him to show all the scores. He immediately showed and when we tallied, Srishti was clearly the silver medalist. Sir, told he will get it sorted out. 

After a while, they called out Srishti and handed over the certificate and medal to her personally. I did not find it right. I wanted them to announce and give it in the podium. Sir asked the person to announce and she was handed over the medal on the podium. A big relief for me. Even for this "Amma, why are you making so much fuss. I got the certificate and medal right. That is all we need. Why should they announce and give on the podium. It's embarrassing and I want to have fun with my friends." I was absolutely frustrated with her. And, she is TOO COOL FOR ME.

When I thought everything was sorted out, next day in media coverage - her name is not there in the newspaper. They had not sent the updated results. After much talks, nothing happened. They have asked us to publish it personally in any newspaper and they will try to reimburse the cost. Even for this "It's just newspaper na. We already know I won silver and I have all the certificate. Why should my name be on the paper??" I told her that it's a big achievement and that she truly deserves it. It's a honor to have your name on the newspaper. Also, your grandparents will be much excited about it. 

Lesson Learnt: 

- Use the POWER OF ASKING. Don't hesitate.

- Learn to stand up for yourself.