For him weightlifting started at Veer Hanuman Circus and Physical Training Club in Berhampur, but he never knew then that one day he would be standing in the Rashtrapati Bhavan to receive the covetous Arjuna Award for his feats in the same sport. Though Ravi Kumar isn’t new to honours and awards post the 2010 Commonwealth Games where he won a gold medal with a record lift in the CWG 2010, but Arjuna Award was something he never expected so early.
“It’s an honour and the award will only motivate me to do better,” said the champion lifter, who has struggled hard in life to reach to this position.
EARLY CAREER
“I started weightlifting from 2003 but really got serious from 2004 because I had my matriculation exams in 2003. Actually there is a story behind me getting into this sport. I had been a bodybuilder before getting into weightlifting, and once my mother’s friend whom I consider as my sister recommended me to get into this sport, I started doing it seriously. Thereafter, I started enjoying it and post my plus two exams, have got myself engrossed into this,” said Ravi.
“My real practice began from SAI (Sports Authority of India) hostel in Dhenkanal. Then in 2007 I moved into the Army Sports institute and my career really took off from there. In the Asian Junior Championship, I won silver and then I became the national champion with a record,” reminisces Ravi who lost his father early in life, but never wanted to put burden on his mother, an Anganwadi teacher.
ALL FOR MY MOTHER’S SAKE
“I never wanted to be dependent and put pressure on my mom, who is an Angadwadi teacher in my hometown. Before joining the Army, I tried to get some monetary help by doing some part times jobs like videography, which was a seasonal affair. Till I was a Naib Subedar in the Army, I either used to get some money from these jobs or seek help from mom. In fact even after joining the Army institute I asked for money from her. I lost my father long back and my younger sister is married. My mother has been a great support and an inspiration too,” added Ravi, who feels indebted to the Army for its help.
“I have been representing Army in various competitions. They provide us with outstanding facilities and when needed. The institute has a great team of coaches, doctors, physiotherapists, psychologists, masseurs etc. ASI provides us with all the world class equipments. I feel proud that many international level athletes hail from here,” said the champion.
NO TO DOPING
One of the few lifters who have a clean record as far as doping in weightlifting is concerned, Ravi says that he would not like to talk about others. “Lifters like me are set to prove that weightlifting in this country can be great without doping also and it’s not only doping that takes you further. One of my primary aims when I started was this that I wanted to take home this point that we will do it without anything close to doping and I believe the process has begun,” says champion, who is quite happy with the response and attention he has received post CWG 2010.
KEEPING HIS FEET GROUNDED
A great fan of world champion Halil Muthlu, Ravi believes that one needs to be humble at all points of time, no matter what height he has achieved. Thankful to all those who have played a part in shaping his career, Ravi says, “My seniors always supported me; I’m fortunate enough that even amidst so many hardships, people stood by me, and helped me reach where I’m today. I always encourage my juniors and advice them to practice hard and train in a dope free environment. I am also very thankful to my coach Mr. DD Sharma and who has been like a father figure,” he adds.
Presently working hard for the upcoming World Championships in Paris in November, which will be the qualifiers for the London Olympics 2012, he looks forward for more laurels and considers the Arjuna Award as a morale booster for the upcoming ventures. “I hope to qualify for the Olympics and win more laurels for my country at the highest level,” says Ravi.
By Akshi Aggarwal
Indian Sports News