Asiad Bronze Winner Harish Works at a Tea Stall, Asks Govt for Job

Watch sepaktakraw athlete Harish Kumar speak about the hardships he has faced to achieve an Asian Games medal.

Harish Kumar speaks to the media after winning a bronze medal in the team Sepaktakraw event at the Asian Games.

(Photo: ANI)

Video Editor: Sandeep Suman

Harish Kumar, who won a bronze medal in the men's team regu (sepaktakraw) event at the Asian Games, works in a team stall to contribute to his family’s finances in New Delhi.

There are a lot of people at homeand earnings are less. My father is working as an auto rickshaw driver. I come to work at the tea stallduring the morning. I practice from 2-6 pm.

Harish Kumar

Harish added that people in his neighbourhood used to tell him that he is wasting his time playing the game.

People told me earlier that what will this game give you. It will give you nothing. You are wasting your time. They used to tell my coach to hit me. They used to say your coach is robbing your money.

Harish Kumar

Those same people have welcomed him with garlands after Harish won the bronze medal.

And now, the same people have welcomed me with garlands. I wish that everyone else is motivated by my performance to play. There are more kids who are playing the game.

Harish Kumar

Harish’s mother expressed that their family has gone through many difficulties for her child to achieve great heights.

What sadness should I share about my house. How I took care of my child even when I had fever. How I cooked for him. I’ve seen so much of helplessness, I can’t even tell you. I’ve two children, who are blind.

Harish Kumar’s mother

The sepaktakraw athlete wishes for a government job which will help him support his family.

Now, I would like to get a good job. And the finances of this house becomes good. I am practicing and will keep practicing my game. I will win medals for my country.

Harish Kumar