For him, weightlifting started at the Veer Hanuman Circus and Physical Training Club in Berhampur, but he never imagined then that one day he would be standing in Rashtrapati Bhavan to receive the coveted Arjuna Award for his feats in the same sport. Ravi Kumar has been no stranger to honours and awards since the 2010 Commonwealth Games, where he won a gold medal with a record lift, but the 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 this position.
Early career
“I started weightlifting in 2003 but really got serious in 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 my sister, recommended this sport to me, I started doing it seriously. After that I started enjoying it, and after my plus-two exams I got completely engrossed in it,” said Ravi.
“My real practice began at the SAI (Sports Authority of India) hostel in Dhenkanal. Then in 2007 I moved to the Army Sports Institute, and my career really took off from there. I won silver at the Asian Junior Championship and then became the national champion with a record,” recalls Ravi, who lost his father early in life but never wanted to put a burden on his mother, an anganwadi teacher.
All for my mother’s sake
“I never wanted to be dependent on my mum and put pressure on her. She is an anganwadi teacher in my hometown. Before joining the Army, I tried to earn some money through part-time jobs like videography, which was seasonal work. Until I was a Naib Subedar in the Army, I either got some money from these jobs or sought help from my mum. In fact, even after joining the Army institute I asked her for money. I lost my father long ago, 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 the Army in various competitions. They provide us with outstanding facilities whenever needed. The institute has a great team of coaches, doctors, physiotherapists, psychologists, masseurs and so on. ASI provides us with world-class equipment. I feel proud that many international athletes come from here,” said the champion.
No to doping
One of the few lifters with a clean record as far as doping is concerned, Ravi says 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, and that doping is not the only thing that takes you further. One of my main aims when I started was to get across the point that we would do it without anything close to doping, and I believe the process has begun,” says the champion, who is quite happy with the response and attention he has received since CWG 2010.
Keeping his feet on the ground
A great fan of world champion Halil Mutlu, Ravi believes one needs to stay humble at all times, no matter what heights one reaches. Thankful to all those who have played a part in shaping his career, Ravi says, “My seniors always supported me. I’m fortunate that even amid so many hardships, people stood by me and helped me reach where I am today. I always encourage my juniors and advise them to practise hard and train in a dope-free environment. I am also very thankful to my coach, Mr DD Sharma, who has been like a father figure.”
Now working hard for the upcoming World Championships in Paris in November, which will serve as qualifiers for the London Olympics 2012, he is looking forward to more laurels and considers the Arjuna Award a morale booster for the challenges ahead. “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
