There are some who speak their mind whatever the circumstances. There are some more who talk for hours and make little sense. There also are a handful who measure the value of each word they utter and put in ample thought before speaking out. Dattu Baban Bhokanal is the third kind, who is absolutely sure and clear about his thoughts on the gruelling journey called life. The lanky rower from a small village called Talegaon near Nashik in Maharashtra, has beaten the odds, adversities and obstacles in his way much like his family has been doing all these years to rocks and stones in the quarry. Dattu’s father passed away in 2011, after which he shouldered the responsibility of his financially weak family and his mother was hospitalised when the 25-year-old made it to the Olympics. Putting behind all the hardships and difficulties, Dattu competed with heart and gave his best to finish 13th in the men’s singles sculls event — the best an Indian rower has ever done at the quadrennial extravaganza.
“When I was competing at the Olympic Games, thoughts of my ailing and hospitalised mother would often come to mind, but I was determined to do well so I concentrated on my event,” said the armyman days after his return from the carnival city of Brazil. “Although, I was not able to fetch a medal, did as much as I expected from myself,” he added. Athletes are not an extra-terrestrial breed, for they also have a life beyond sport. But when it comes to talking of his day to day life, Dattu is restricted to a great extent and it’s only when one cajoles the shy lad that he starts off. Dattu finds happiness in the simplest things of life and has the most common ways of doing that. “Farming is my favourite activity and that is what I enjoy the most. Whenever I have some time, I like to roam around my village, meet my friends and talk to them for hours,” the Olympic quarter-finalist told this newspaper.
Once afraid of water, Dattu now is proficient at a water sport. He joined the Army in 2011 to look after his family. He thereafter took up rowing and also learned to sail against the tide. But Dattu, the person, did not change much after joining the military. “At my army cantonment, I indulge in long conversations with my best buddies and look to utilise as much time as we get there,” he said. The 6’4” rower surprises on a few accounts too as he does not indulge in what are almost everyday activities. “I do not watch movies, in fact I do not remember the name of any movie as I do not like to watch them. I am not a fan of any actor,” he said. “I do not idolise any sportsperson or admire anyone. I am my own idol and my parents are my inspiration.” Dattu says he would like to explore Mahabaleshwar when the time comes though he is not very fond of exploring new places. He regards his time in Rio as memorable as he got to experience a different culture and meet people. The visit to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue remains one to remember. The eldest of three brothers Dattu says he is not thinking and is not prepared for marriage yet as there are other things higher on his priority list at the moment.
