By allowing her to play football.

Finally I had to agree to her demand and allow her to play football, may be she has got it in her genes inherited from me. Girls playing football is unusual at my place, and when she showed interest in playing football, I was not very comfortable given the risks the sports carries and also there is not much opportunity for football in this country, especially for girls. India is mostly a cricket place - other sports are way behind that. You have already seen some of my previous posts on my experience going through a surgery and suffering for more than a month, to fix the injury from playing football. So it was a straight no to her but then she did not stop pushing me - how can you discriminate between boys and girls ? Being a father you should not do that. There is not much scope, but we have a national ladies football team, which means girls are playing.

I had no answer, OK, fair, I agree with you, but do you know the risks the game carries ? Have a look at what I went through in this post. This is why I write my blog, so that you can see them when needed.

After going through the post, she came back after some time - Did you stop playing football after that ? You are still playing, isn't it ? If you can play then why can't I ?

Ok, give me some time to think......

The lady is totally against football, hearing our conversations, a loud voice coming from the other room - "like father, like daughter", don't come home with injuries.....

My daughter murmured - But you can understand, right ?

Don't listen to your Mom, who listens to ladies !!!!

Should I tell that to Mom ? Girl........you want me to stay hungry!!!

I managed to convince the lady - it's not about football, every sport has tremendous impact on our personality, by getting engaged in a sport, she will be using all her excitement in a positive way, so we should allow her. I understand football is risky, but if that is what interests her, then we will have to support her....And sports will definitely bring in more discipline in her.

And then next day we went to Decathlon, she picked her choice of football and other accessories. After few day of practice, she has managed to be part of the school team and wanted to buy a studs for her inter school. I have given her a turf studs to begin with - along with a leg guard to protect her. When I used to play for my college, Dad strictly denied giving money to buy a basic studs - costing 100₹ only at that time. My teacher was so impressed with my interest for the game that he bought me a studs - I would keep that in the college only and not bring home so that Dad won't know. Back in our time, education was the only thing, that we were told to focus. Our parents were thinking if we get engaged in sports then we will deviate from education. But that's completely wrong - I have felt it myself - sports makes us a better person by preventing our attention going towards bad stuffs.

Now everyday, it's fun to hear about her experiences that showcases her excitement for the game - reminds me about our time - Mom would often scold, but nothing could stop us.....She has got most of the qualities inherited from me - the lady's permanent observance😀

Isn't that something to be proud off ?

This post is in response to the Creative Nonfiction Prompt #145 of this week.

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