GOLD COAST, APR 12,
There was no disgruntled coach to lock him out as shown in the blockbuster movie ‘Dangal’ but Mahavir Phogat still missed watching daughter Babita Phogat’s silver-winning campaign at the Commonwealth Games today after he could not lay his hands on tickets to get inside the venue.
The legendary coach, whose life story has achieved cult status owing to the success of ‘Dangal’, was here to watch defending gold-medallist Babita compete in the 53kg category. However, he could only wait outside as his daughter grappled inside the Carrara Sports and Leisure Centre here.
“My father came for the first time to watch my bout and I am sad that he has been here since morning but could not get tickets. An athlete is entitled to two tickets but we have not even been given those. I tried so much, but he had to sit outside. He couldn’t watch it here and he couldn’t watch it on TV either,” an anguished Babita said, her voice choking.
Mahavir Phogat finally managed to make it inside when the Australian wrestling team came to Babita’s aid and offered two tickets to her.
