All this talk of medals reminds me of old auto days, hearing Lijo Pappan's running commentary on cassette while stuck at Rasulgarh Square. When our athletes win, I think of their fathers maybe driving like me, saving each rupee for kits and shoes. Bhala rahu, but these games cost crores also, no? That money could fix our Badam Tank road so my suspension lasts longer.

Mirabai Chanu ki jeet dekhi, mora mon ta bhari uthila — exactly like that feeling when I finally paid the extra month's rent for my son's hostel near his engineering college, bhookh mehnat ka result. Kintu eka baat: she lifted that weight, but she also needed a roof over her head, proper training centre, sab. My terrace ridge gourds grow strong because I give them good support, same way town needs honest housing — not these big builders who hike rent like CNG price every month. Bhala rahu, but please, let