Back to Business! Asian Games 2018 Bronze Medalist in Sepak Takraw Harish Kumar Starts Selling Tea for Living Again

It’s business as usual for Harish Kumar after the Asian Games 2018. Harish, who was part of the team that won the historic bronze medal in Sepak Takraw at the recently concluded 2018 Asian Games, has started selling tea again with his father for his living. This was India’s first medal in Sepak Takraw ever since their first participation in 2006 Asian Games.

Meanwhile, to support his family Harish has joined his father again despite bringing laurels for the country. "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”, Harish told ANI.

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". Sepak Takraw, India Won Its First-Ever Medal in This Traditional Southeast Asian ‘Kick Volleyball’ Event at Asian Games 2018: Know What the Sport Is?

Harish's mother, Indira Devi also talked to ANI about adversities under which she supported her son to pursue 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 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, Dhawan also expressed his gratitude for the government support and requested for a government job for his brother.

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." (Inputs ANI).

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 07, 2018 11:39 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).