Why do the Indian athletes don’t get the decent income which they actually deserve? or maybe they don’t play cricket. Each sport deserves equal praises right? All athletes play for India and hence there shouldn’t be any partiality among the games.
In a shocking turn of events, an Asian Games bronze medallist who made the whole nation proud is forced to sell tea to make a living as there is no support from the higher authorities. The athlete named Harish Kumar is the member of Indian Sepak Takraw team (kick volleyball) that earned a bronze medal at the Asian Games 2018 that was held at Jakarta, Indonesia.
To support his family, he sells tea at his father’s shop and they earn very less money. Harish balances his life by spending 4 hours every day for his practice sessions in Delhi and also wanted to get a good job to be the backbone of the family.
Speaking to ANI at his small tea shop, the 24-year-old Harish Kumar said, “I have many family members and there is a very meagre source of income. I help my father at the tea shop to support my family. I dedicate four hours every day between 2 to 6 for my practice. For my future, I want to get a good job to support my family”.
Talking about his struggles and initial association with the Sepak Takraw game, he said, “I started playing this sport from 2011. My coach Hemraj brought me into this sport. We also used to play with a tyre when my coach Hemraj spotted me and introduced me to the Sports Authority of India (SAI). Thereafter I started receiving monthly funds and kits. I practice every day and will keep on doing it to bring more laurels for my country”.
Harish’s mother, Indira Devi spoke about extreme difficulties under which she supported her son through and through to follow the game. She said, “I have brought up my kids with a lot of struggle. His father is an auto-driver and we have a small tea shop.
My son also works at a tea shop to assist his father. I am very thankful to the government for providing food and accommodation to my son. I am very thankful to his coach Hemraj who has supported my kid to achieve this accomplishment.”
Harish’s brother named Dhawan urged the government to back his brother by offering a government job. He said, “There were times when we did not have money to pay our rent. His coach Hemraj took him under his training and admitted him to the stadium.
Later Sports Authority of India supported us by giving monthly finances and sports kits.. I also urge the government to give my brother a government job so that he can support our family.”