Pinki Singh, a Commonwealth Gold medalist in Lawn Bowls, was conferred the prestigious Arjuna Award on January 9. From a Delhi University cricket captain to a prestigious school PT teacher, battling a bitter divorce during the Commonwealth Games and now a gold medalist and Arjuna awardee for the country — Pinki’s journey has not been the easiest to achieve fame. Here’s a t2 chat with Pinki on her journey, the challenges she endured and what her award milestone means for the future of the sport.
Congratulations! What does the Arjuna Award feel like?
I cannot yet sink it in. I still get goosebumps. It is a dream come true. I cried the day I found out I was nominated. I only know how I have spent these 12 years. Battling my divorce with the CWC approaching, struggles with the pandemic just flashed back.
What did it feel like when you got to know you were nominated?
It felt like a ‘aaj mein upar, aasman niche’ moment. My father didn’t even hear me completely, he buckled up to get sweets for the celebration. The divorce took away his smile, but this got it back.
How does this sudden fame feel?
Through the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, National Games and World Championships, people have started to recognise me. More eyeballs are on the game.
Has success impacted your life as a teacher?
It is funny today that my students come up to take autographs.
That’s what has changed. I’m still the teacher who wants to pass on my passion and my dream. I always wanted to be a sportsperson, but also pass on the joy of the sport.
How did you first discover lawn bowls?
I used to play cricket, participating in the Rani Jhansi tournament, nationals for Delhi, and representing Delhi University. The credit goes to my principal. During the National Games, when someone fell sick, I was added to the squad, and that marked the beginning of my lawn bowls journey in 2007. I went on to get selected in the camp in 2009, and this marked the commencement of my dedicated involvement in the sport
Lawn bowls is a sport that seems to be ageless. What are your future plans in the sport?
I want to go ahead and bring more medals for the country. All my compromises were worth it. Missing occasions and fun... I knew where my goal was. Aur khelungi.
How do you balance all of it?
I just balance it with my sweet smile! I stay back to practice, stay focused and I think that is how.
The sport has picked up a lot in recent years, what future do you envision ahead for the sport in India?
The future is very strong. Age is no bar in the sport, and we have phenomenal talent here. It is a mind game that requires patience and focus. It is only motivating to see the team expand.
What are your immediate plans ahead?
To be fit and play the game no matter what the situation is. It keeps my mind fresh. The prep for the 2026 Commonwealth Games has begun for me.
