The growth sports can bring

Shiv and Aditi have been learning to fence (foil) for more than two years now. For the past year, they've been regularly participating in local and regional competitions. Their performance and results in these competitions fluctuate a lot, even though their techniques and skills don't fluctuate much.

​What we've observed and realized is that at this early stage, their results are largely dependent on their mood of the day, which is mostly a matter of confidence. If they believe they are better than their opponent and capable of winning, they will most likely win. If they somehow believe they are weaker, a loss is 100% certain. This is especially true for our son compared to our daughter. Most of his losses happen because he gives up before the match even begins.

​Since birth, parents nowadays always encourage their kids to "never give up." We did the same. But only when real situations happen do you see how much inner strength a child has, and you realize that all that verbal encouragement might not be enough.

​However, competition is, so far, the best way to build that confidence. They lose, they win, they get frustrated, and besides that, they surely receive some scolding, discipline, encouragement and love. 

Match after match, situation after situation, they are beginning to gain a better understanding of themselves and are building confidence, skill, resilience and strength. 

They are learning to not give up, not giving up because of the circumstances, not giving up while they are behind, not giving up till the last second, and not giving up even they lose it all this time.