Pincky Balhara breaks down after Asiad bronze, mother says gold was always the dream
Pincky Balhara broke down while speaking to her mother over the phone after settling for a bronze medal at the Asian Games in Nagoya on Monday, unable to fulfil the gold-medal dream she had carried for years.
Balhara, who won a silver in the women's -52kg category at the 2018 Asian Games, added another medal to her collection in the -78kg event. But the bronze brought little consolation after she lost 0-5 to South Korea's Sumin Mo in the semifinals.
Her mother, Suresh, said Balhara was devastated despite securing her second Asian Games medal, with gold remaining the only target she had in mind.
"When she called me after confirming the bronze this morning, she was sobbing and crying because her dream is gold. She only wants to win gold, so she is not happy or satisfied with the bronze," Suresh told PTI from her residence in Delhi on Monday.
For Balhara, the pursuit of a gold medal has been years in the making. Her mother recalled that she decided to take up judo while still in Class 9, after which the family enrolled her in the sport.
"From the ninth grade, she had decided that she wanted to play judo, so we got her into judo. This is her third Asian Games. Her dream has always been to win a gold medal at the Asian Games," Suresh said.
Even after missing out in Nagoya, Balhara remains determined to chase that elusive gold.
"She says, 'If I don't get it this time, I will win gold next time,'" her mother recalled.BROTHER SEEKS ARJUNA AWARD
Balhara's brother Nilesh was also emotional while speaking about her latest achievement and highlighted the difficult journey she has endured in combat sports.
While the bronze was not the medal Balhara had hoped for, Nilesh said the achievement was a source of pride for the family and the country.
"This is a very happy moment for our country. My sister has worked very hard. Last time also, she missed out on a medal. This time, after so many years, she has won a medal again," he said.VIDEO | Delhi: Pincky Balhara's family was proud of her second Asian Games medal but the Indian kurash athlete herself was left in tears after winning bronze as her sights remain firmly set on a gold at the continental showpiece, her mother said on Monday. Her mother, who became pic.twitter.com/jAWYNVd0Ghβ Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 28, 2026
Nilesh also urged the Indian government to consider his sister for the Arjuna Award, citing her record and achievements.
"I would request the Indian government to consider my sister for the Arjuna Award. I am very happy and proud of her," he said.
"I request the government to see her past record and achievements and seriously consider bestowing her with the Arjuna Award," he added.GRANDMOTHER'S PRIDE
Balhara's paternal grandmother Bala also spoke with pride about her granddaughter's achievement. She said she regularly follows her matches and proudly tells people in her neighbourhood about Balhara's sporting career.
"I am proud of her. I am very happy that she has made a name for herself across India. What more can I say? I live in Najafgarh and tell everyone, 'My granddaughter is here.' I take the newspaper and show it to everyone. Everyone asks me who she is, and I tell them she is my granddaughter. She has made me very proud," Bala said.
Balhara's achievements have also found a place closer to home, with a poster of the judoka displayed in her village.
"There is also a poster of her in my village. My neighbours ask me who she is, and I tell them she is my granddaughter," Bala said.
For now, Balhara leaves Nagoya with a second Asian Games medal. But according to her family, the disappointment of bronze has only strengthened the dream that has driven her since she first took up judo: to stand on the top step of the podium.- Ends
