'Watching Alone in Mumbai, I Couldn't Stop the Tears': Pradeep Simon on Daughter Prithika's Gold

Pimpri-Chinchwad, Maharashtra: Father of Prithika Pradeep, Pradeep Simon, says, "I work in Mumbai, so I was watching the match alone. When I realised she was about to win gold—given her consistent performance, it was clear she would—the first thing that crossed my mind was the hard work she and her coach had put in over the last 7–8 years.
And, of course, the result—winning gold for the country. I immediately teared up...the journey to reach this point was certainly tough. But Prithika’s passion never wavered...I also give credit to her coach...our role was simply to be her support system...for my wife and me, the priority was simply that the sport would help her become a better person; we could see that happening...the gold medal won for the country brings a kind of happiness that transcends career or financial gain."