By RUDRAPUR: Jai Prakash (19), a ju-jitsu player from Rudrapur, was on the verge of dropping out from the Asian championship, the sport’s premier championship, in Thailand despite qualifying as he could not afford to travel to Bangkok. After his coach and the district association chief put up a post on social media requesting help for Prakash, whose father works as a daily wager here, several residents of the town responded and raised around Rs 85,000 so that the teenager could compete in the event that was held at Bangkok’s Rangsit University from February 24 to 28.
Prakash not only travelled to Thailand but also bagged the bronze medal in the men’s 56 kg weight category of the intensely-fought competition.
It was a dream come true for me. I have been practising ju-jitsu for years, and winning a medal at the Asian championship was a big milestone in my career. I am grateful to all the people who gave me their support,” Prakash said.
Rishi Pal Bharti, the player’s coach, said, “The championship saw the participation of over 500 players from 30 countries, making it a highly competitive event. Prakash’s success is a testament to his dedication and hard work, as well as the support he received from the community.”
Prakash’s father Premchandra, who works as a construction labourer, told TOI, “I am proud of my son’s achievement. He worked hard to achieve success, and the support of our town’s people made all the difference.”
Vinay Kumar, president of the Ju-Jitsu Association of India, said that “Prakash’s victory will inspire more young players to take up the sport. In all, six bronze medals were won by players from our country at the championship. The players who performed well will be taking part in the 19th Asian Games to be held in China this year,” he added.
Prakash not only travelled to Thailand but also bagged the bronze medal in the men’s 56 kg weight category of the intensely-fought competition.
It was a dream come true for me. I have been practising ju-jitsu for years, and winning a medal at the Asian championship was a big milestone in my career. I am grateful to all the people who gave me their support,” Prakash said.
Rishi Pal Bharti, the player’s coach, said, “The championship saw the participation of over 500 players from 30 countries, making it a highly competitive event. Prakash’s success is a testament to his dedication and hard work, as well as the support he received from the community.”
Prakash’s father Premchandra, who works as a construction labourer, told TOI, “I am proud of my son’s achievement. He worked hard to achieve success, and the support of our town’s people made all the difference.”
Vinay Kumar, president of the Ju-Jitsu Association of India, said that “Prakash’s victory will inspire more young players to take up the sport. In all, six bronze medals were won by players from our country at the championship. The players who performed well will be taking part in the 19th Asian Games to be held in China this year,” he added.
