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