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Parental Powerhouses Behind Sporting Heroes

Ancy Mendonza Darpan, 29 Jan, 2025 08:45 PM
  • Parental Powerhouses Behind Sporting Heroes

Behind every young sports star making waves and earning laurels is an extraordinary journey of care, sacrifice, and relentless support. In the first cover story of 2025, DARPAN delves into the lives of extraordinary parents, the unsung heroes of their children’s sporting victories. From early morning practices to constant encouragement through wins and losses, these parents have navigated countless challenges along the way. What does it take to raise a champion? How can a parent balance ambition with the essence of childhood? How does a parent let them be themselves while they are playing? Our aim, through these profiles, is to uncover their stories of perseverance, South Asian cultural values, and the important role they play in shaping the future of sports in the community. A tribute to the ones who turn dreams into reality—one step, one hurrah, and one sacrifice at a time.

Harvinder and Kuldip Bains
Parents of Arshdeep Singh Bains

"We always believed that with hard work and heart, anything is possible. It wasn’t just about hockey—it was about teaching Arshdeep to face challenges with courage and to embrace every moment, win or lose." - Kuldip Bains

Immigrating from Punjab, India, in 1982, Kuldip Singh Bains and Harvinder Kaur Bains left home to build a fulfilling life in Canada. Settling in Surrey, British Columbia, the family grew, with their kids taking a special interest in hockey, among other games. And that’s where one could see a young Arshdeep metamorphose into the Arshdeep Bains we know now – the fourth Punjabi player to suit up for an NHL game, playing for his home team, the Vancouver Canucks. 

Arshdeep’s journey into ice hockey began with his dad taking his older brothers for a fun game at the rink. The rink soon became his favorite spot as he tagged along and eventually fell in love with the sport. With no professional hockey background, both Kuldip and Harvinder’s unwavering support was enough to become the cornerstone of Arshdeep’s success in ice hockey. They embraced the challenges of raising a child in competitive sports, making their way through rigorous training schedules to emotional highs and lows.

Kuldip soon became a regular face at hockey games and practice nights, driving Arshdeep to countless tournaments while also honing his puck-passing skills in their backyard. Harvinder always prioritized emotional support, ensuring that Arshdeep’s love for the game was always at the forefront. Both maintained a delicate balance of independence and encouragement, allowing Arshdeep to learn from his experiences while also believing in his abilities: “After a point, we knew that to fulfill his dream, he needed more rigorous training, something that we couldn’t offer. That’s when we let him get into his groove while always assuring him of our presence in his life, whatever the outcome.”

As Arshdeep advanced from local leagues to the Western Hockey League and eventually to the professional stage, his parents, too, evolved. Kuldip and Harvinder now focused on instilling resilience and a strong work ethic in him, something they knew would be crucial as he played for international leagues: “While he did face a few setbacks as pressures grew, we always emphasized on blocking out negativity, including social media criticism, all of which is part of the game.”
 
The Bains also always encouraged Arshdeep to embrace his South Asian heritage and serve as a role model for young athletes in the community, a role he takes very seriously. He is a regular at multiple Punjabi tournaments and makes time for other community events and fundraisers.

Through their support, humility, and dedication, Kuldip and Harvinder have not only guided Arshdeep to become a successful ice hockey player but have also set an inspiring example for families navigating the world of competitive sports.

Q&A
1. How do you ensure that your child’s mental health is prioritized, especially in the high-pressure world of sports?
We’ve always focused on being there for Arshdeep, no matter the outcome of a game. We remind him that it’s okay to have tough days and that we believe in his abilities. We’ve encouraged him to block out negativity and focus on enjoying the game he loves.

2. What has been your biggest success as a parent in this journey?
Seeing Arshdeep become not just a great hockey player but also a grounded and humble individual who values his community is our greatest success. Watching him inspire others is incredibly rewarding.

3. What advice would you give other parents raising young athletes?
Support your child unconditionally and let them enjoy the journey. Don’t push too hard; instead, focus on building their confidence and allowing them to grow at their own pace.

4. What’s a message you’d like to share with young athletes pursuing their dreams?
Work hard, stay focused, and never give up. Challenges are part of the process, but with determination and support, you can achieve your dreams.

Komal and Sukhjinder Khaira
Parents of Jujhar Khaira

"Success isn’t measured by trophies but by the values you instill in your children. Watching Jujhar grow into a self-sufficient, good-hearted individual who values family is our greatest achievement." – Sukhjinder Khaira
 
Sukhjinder and Komal Khaira immigrated to Canada as children, growing up in Clearwater and Victoria, British Columbia, respectively. In the 1980s, they were prominent sports players themselves, volleyball and basketball mostly, and watching them play is what spiked Jujhar’s interest in sports. Their athletic background laid a solid foundation for the values they instilled in Jujhar and his siblings early on. Jujhar Khaira, the third NHL player of Punjabi descent, currently plays for the Syracuse Crunch in the AHL and has represented the Edmonton Oilers, Chicago Blackhawks, and Minnesota Wild in the NHL. 

The Khairas’ journey as parents of young champions began with introducing their children to different sports to keep them active and engaged. While ice hockey wasn’t a game they had played before, they quickly noticed Jujhar’s affinity for the sport. “He took a liking to ice hockey and absolutely enjoyed his power skating classes,” Komal recalls. From that point onwards, their encouragement and support became a constant throughout Jujhar’s sporting journey.

Raising not one but three athletes came with its challenges. Both Sukhjinder and Komal prioritized creating a strong mental and emotional foundation for all their kids, taking in important advice from a coach: “You don’t have to talk about the game until 24 hours have passed.” Jujhar’s younger brother, Sahvan Khaira, plays professional ice hockey, too, so dinner table conversations were almost always about sports. But Komal made it a point to separate the pressures of the game from everyday life and ensured they had moments of lighthearted fun between games and hectic training schedules. 

Jujhar credits his parents with his excellence in sports. In an earlier conversation, he thanked them for the work they put into nurturing his sports dreams. “Running three kids around for different activities wasn’t easy, but we relied on each other. It is more teamwork and time management than anything else,” says Komal. As both of them played professionally, they understood the balance required when it came to guiding their kids while also allowing them to make mistakes: “We didn’t know a lot about hockey, but we noticed his passion for the game, and luckily he knew what was needed of him. We placed our faith in him and supported him in every way.”

As South Asian parents, Sukhjinder and Komal are grateful for the family they had around, which helped Jujhar and his siblings to become the people they are today: “His dad was his role model to become a good individual with a strong sense of integrity and family, and the community at Cloverdale was extremely supportive of Jujhar, which made his journey even more seamless. Our parents taught us to raise kids a certain way when it came to sports, and that helped us a lot. ” For the Khairas, success is not the number of trophies lined up at home but more about the values they’ve instilled in their children. Sukhjinder and Komal’s collective journey has been one of teamwork and perseverance, an attribute key to raising champions at home.

Q&A
1. How did you ensure that your child’s mental health is prioritized, especially in the high-pressure world of sports?
We always checked in with Jujhar after the game, not necessarily about the game itself, but to ask how he’s feeling. We stay open to discussing hockey when he wants to, and we’re always ready to listen and offer feedback when he asks.

2. What has been your biggest success as a parent in this journey?
Our biggest success is seeing all our kids grow into self-sufficient, good-hearted individuals who value family. Jujhar wants to be home, spend time with us, and has great faith in God, which means the world to us.

3. What advice would you give other parents raising young athletes?
Give them opportunities to try different sports, let them have fun, and follow their lead. Always be present and recognize their needs without pushing too hard.

4. What's a message you’d like to share with young athletes pursuing their dreams?
Never give up, and always be a good person first. The same people you meet on the way up will be there on the way down.

Gurinder and Kamaljit Badwal
Parents of Jeevan Singh Badwal

"Our biggest success isn’t measured in wins or losses but in knowing we’ve raised a child who’s as exceptional off the field as he is on it"- Kamaljit Badwal

Kamaljit Singh Badwal and Gurinder Kaur Badwal, proud parents of three athletic children, have dedicated themselves to nurturing their kids’ passion while also balancing the complexities of life and family. Based in Surrey, British Columbia, the Badwals’ love for soccer is deep-rooted. A soccer player himself, Kamaljit immigrated from India when he was all of 16, bringing with him an immense appreciation for the sport and a culture that values teamwork and resilience. Growing up in Prince George, Gurinder was always a fan of the outdoorsy life and wanted her kids to stay active in any sport they chose.

Hence, they began Jeevan Singh Badwal’s journey early. At just three months old, Gurinder introduced her eldest to swimming, followed by Sportball at 18 months old, and soccer by age four—which is why Jeevan today plays for the Vancouver Whitecaps FC and was named the Whitecaps U16 Player of the Year in 2022. “One of his soccer coaches called us, saying he wanted Jeevan on his team,” Gurinder recalls. While their aim as parents was simply to keep the kid active and explore his potential across various sports, Jeevan’s innate talent and passion for soccer shined through.

The Badwals’ approach to parenting a sportsperson has been one of setting clear expectations from the start while also fostering a sense of independence and responsibility. Kamaljit emphasized the importance of early preparation, reasonable expectations, and candid conversations: “Early on, we took Jeevan to multiple soccer matches in Europe and Canada to let him feel what it takes and how life can be for him in the future.” Gurinder makes sure the family thrives on open dialogue, whether discussing sports, studies, or life, “We never hide our challenges from the kids and maintain a clear, open channel of communication at all times.”

In a world where social media amplifies both praise and criticism, both Kamaljit and Gurinder focus on setting firm boundaries and positivity. “As a mom, I get riled up seeing the negativity on social media, but Kamaljit is often the calming influence in our lives. It helps to have a partner I can fall back on and take on anything as a unit.”

With three kids, all interested in varied sports, there’s a lot to do for Kamaljit and Gurinder. “I had driven 43,000 km on my new car within a year, driving each of the three kids to different training centers and tournaments, and I wouldn't have it any other way,” chuckles Kamaljit. They credit their extended family and a close-knit community for their unwavering support and assistance. “Being a South Asian, I always had our family and friends around to take care of the kids, and that has been a huge blessing,” says Gurinder.

A strong faith in God, taking on each challenge together as one, and having an open communication line both ways is what the Badwals believe helps Jeevan and his siblings shine in the world of sports. “We don’t just want to raise a successful sportsperson, but a great individual with a strong sense of compassion for the people around him.” And Jeevan Singh Badwal’s career and personality proves that time and again.

Q&A
1. How do you ensure that your child’s mental health is prioritized, especially in the high-pressure world of sports?
We reassure Jeevan that we’re always there for him and reflect that in our actions every time. He hates driving to a game, so we make it a point to drop him, irrespective of our schedules. We listen to him talk about his performance, not necessarily giving him feedback on each move, but just hearing him out and make him feel heard at all times.

2. What has been your biggest success as a parent in this journey?
Hearing Jeevan’s coach say he’s one of the best kids he trained—not just as a soccer player but as a person—was a proud moment. It affirmed that we’re raising him right.

3. What advice would you give other parents raising young athletes?
Be their best friend and biggest supporter. Provide opportunities, trust them to make their own mistakes, and celebrate their journey without overloading them with expectations.

4.What’s a message you’d like to share with young athletes pursuing their dreams?
Believe in God and believe in yourself. With the support of your family and those around you, there’s no limit to what you can achieve. You will be the best at whatever you apply your heart to.

Gurbax and Balbir Dhesi
Parents of Amarveer Singh Dhesi

"Wrestling isn’t just a sport in our family—it’s a legacy. Watching Amar carry it forward with humility and determination makes us incredibly proud." -Balbir Dhesi

Amarveer Singh Dhesi, better known as Amar Dhesi, has made waves in the world of wrestling, representing Canada in the men’s 125 kg freestyle wrestling event at the 2024 Summer Olympics and claiming gold in the same category at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Behind Amar’s remarkable journey is the steadfast support and dedication of his parents, Balbir and Gurbax Dhesi.

Balbir immigrated to Canada in 1976 with a vision that extended beyond his personal success. The same year, he founded the Khalsa Wrestling Club in Surrey, sowing the seeds for a wrestling dynasty that has spanned generations. Wrestling wasn’t just a sport for the Dhesi family—it was a legacy. Amar grew up in an environment where wrestling was part of everyday life. “I took him to the club when he was still in diapers,” Balbir shares. “He was never a stranger to the mat because he grew up watching his family wrestle.”

For Balbir, Amar’s journey is a continuation of a family tradition that started with his father and included his elder son, a Youth Olympian. Amar’s natural talent was evident early on, but it was his own relentless discipline and the guidance of his family that helped him achieve greatness. “Both of my sons would wake up at 5 AM to train before school, then return to the club for practice after classes,” Balbir recalls.

Gurbax, the pillar of emotional support, emphasizes the role of community in their journey. “Our joint family and close-knit group of wrestling friends gave us the strength to navigate this path with ease,” she explains. While the journey required sacrifices, such as turning down certain work opportunities and retiring early, Balbir and Gurbax never wavered in their commitment to their sons.

Their parenting philosophy is rooted in trust, communication, and balance. “We made sure to let them experience wins and losses equally. That’s how you grow—by managing your emotions and learning from every experience,” Balbir shares, reflecting his commitment to raising mentally and physically strong sports kids,, ready to face any challenge that might come their way.

Q&A 

1. How did you ensure that your child’s mental health is prioritized, especially in the high-pressure world of sports?

We surrounded Amar with a community of support—family, friends, and fellow wrestlers. Practicing alongside his brother and cousins kept him grounded, and we’ve always been open about sharing challenges and triumphs as a family.

2. What has been your biggest success as a parent in this journey?

Seeing both of our sons grow into respectful, hardworking individuals who honor their family and community. Amar’s success on the mat is a bonus.

3. What advice would you give other parents raising young athletes?

Spend time with your kids. Be present for their practices and competitions and show genuine interest in their passions. Encourage them to follow their interests and provide everything they need to succeed.

4. What’s a message you’d like to share with young athletes pursuing their dreams?

Hard work is the key—whether in sports or life. Stay disciplined, respect your community, and always strive to be a good person. Success will follow.

Atinder and Harjit Billen
Parents of Helena, Jeenat and Angel Billen

"Be fully involved in your child’s journey. Take the time to understand their sport, their challenges, and their needs. Show them that their dreams matter to you"-Harjit Billen

Helena, Jeenat, and Angel Billen are three remarkable sisters who have made their mark as weightlifters, proudly representing Canada on national and international platforms. Born and raised in Surrey, British Columbia, the sisters have turned what started as family training sessions in their basement into a story of grit, discipline, and success. Driving their incredible success in the sport are their parents, Harjit and Atinder Billen, whose dedication and parenting approach have been instrumental in shaping their daughters’ journey.

Harjit, who immigrated to Canada from Raipur Dabba, Punjab, in 1993, grew up wrestling in national tournaments and playing kabaddi. He soon started the Rustom Wrestling Club in Surrey and has trained countless young wrestlers since then. His wife, Atinder, from Phagwara, Punjab, fortunately shared his passion for sports and together, instilled a drive for hard work in their children from a young age. “Sports is like school,” Harjit says. “If you want your kids to excel, you have to guide them, push them, and stay involved every step of the way.”

Their weightlifting story began when Helena overheard her father discussing wrestling and expressed her interest. Harjit’s search for the right platform in Surrey at the time led him to weightlifting. “I trusted the Lions Weightlifting Club because I knew the coach from back in India,” he recalls. “Helena started training at 13, followed by Jeenat at 9 and Angel at 6.” Helena too played an important role when it came to training her younger sisters as she would often push them to do better and hone their skills.

For the Billens, weightlifting is not merely an activity, but a way to impart their family values. “We strongly believe in building character through discipline, respect, and faith,” Harjit shares. “Our children practice hard, but they also pray and reflect before and after their sessions.” This balance of mental resilience and physical training has been key to their success.

Despite the challenges, including managing stress and balancing family life, Harjit and Atinder remain deeply involved in their children’s progress. “We never just dropped them off at practice or a game. We stayed, observed, and supported them throughout,” Harjit says. This dedication to constantly supporting a child to excel in whatever they want to do is key to raising a sports champion that makes the family proud and uplifts the community, all while being a great individual on and off the playground. 

Q&A
1. How do you ensure that your child’s mental health is prioritized, especially in the high-pressure world of sports?
We believe in open communication and grounding our children in faith. We encourage them to see competition as a journey, not a destination. Whether it’s a win or a setback, we focus on helping them stay balanced and learn from every experience.

2. What has been your biggest success as a parent in this journey?
Our greatest success is raising three disciplined, humble daughters who respect their family and community. It’s not just about their achievements in weightlifting but their character and the pride they bring to their heritage.

3. What advice would you give other parents raising young athletes?
Be present and involved. Don’t just drop your children at training and expect results. Stay engaged, understand their struggles, and be their biggest cheerleader. Invest time in helping them build both their skill and their confidence.

4. What’s a message you’d like to share with young athletes pursuing their dreams?
Respect the effort of those supporting you—your parents, coaches, and mentors. Stay focused, work hard, and believe in yourself. Success will follow if you stay consistent and grounded.

 

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