IN SHORTDespite winning four international gold medals for India in throwball, Jharkhand’s Amardeep, 29, faces a harsh reality, selling vegetables and driving a cab to support his family. His struggle, stemming from the state’s sports policy, has now caught the attention of CM Hemant Soren, sparking hope for a deserving athlete.
Amardeep, 29, a throwball player from Jharkhand, has won four international gold medals for India.Despite his achievements, he sells vegetables at Argora Chowk in Ranchi and drives a cab to support his family.He has been unable to secure a government job since 2020 due to Jharkhand’s sports policy, unlike teammates from other states.His family, including his parents and elder brother, also engage in strenuous work to make ends meet.Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren has now directed the sports department to take immediate cognisance of Amardeep’s case.
TL;DR
- <h2>A Champion’s Struggle: Amardeep’s Fight Beyond the Field</h2>
- <p>Amardeep, a 29-year-old throwball star from Jharkhand, has brought immense pride to India, clinching four international gold medals. Yet, his life off the field is a stark contrast to his sporting triumphs. To sustain himself and his family, Amardeep sells vegetables at Argora Chowk in Ranchi and drives a cab, a poignant testament to the challenges faced by many athletes in the country.</p>
- <p>His journey to international glory began with his first gold at the Asian Junior Throw-ball Championship in Malaysia in 2015. Subsequent victories include the Indo-Nepal Throw-ball Championship in Kathmandu (2017), the South Asian Throw-ball Championship in Bengaluru (2019), and the second edition of the same championship in Ranchi (2026). Despite these accolades, Amardeep has been unable to secure a government job, a predicament he attributes to Jharkhand’s sports policy.</p>
- <p>The disparity is particularly painful for Amardeep, who notes that his counterparts from other states have received state support:</p>
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- <p>Amardeep said several of his teammates from Chhattisgarh, Haryana and Bihar have secured government jobs. He added that a Haryana player who played alongside him and also served as his captain has received various benefits from the state government.</p>
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- <p>His applications for cash awards and government employment have remained pending since 2016, despite repeated appeals to authorities, including a meeting with former Jharkhand Sports Minister Hafizul Hasan. The COVID-19 pandemic further disrupted his efforts to secure a job in 2020, which he resumed in 2022.</p>
- <p>Amardeep’s family shares his burden. His father sells vegetables, a business Amardeep assists with. His mother, a homemaker, also sells vegetables door-to-door, carrying approximately 35 kg of produce on her head. His elder brother runs a fast-food stall, all contributing to the family’s meager income.</p>
- <p>Participating in international tournaments has also been a financial strain. For his trip to Malaysia, Amardeep had to borrow Rs 65,000, with his family and the Jharkhand Throwball Association helping to raise the funds. He is also expected to travel to Sri Lanka in late October 2026 for another tournament, continuing his commitment to the sport despite personal hardships.</p>
- <p>Amardeep describes his life as one of constant hard work and struggle, often driving late into the night, which makes attending morning training sessions difficult. Yet, he remains resolute, balancing his work and sporting career with no intention of giving up.</p>
- <p>His plight has now garnered significant attention. Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren posted about Amardeep’s situation on his X account, directing the sports department to take immediate cognisance and initiate appropriate action. Following this, state Sports Minister Sudivya Sonu stated that the government is examining avenues to provide Amardeep employment under the existing sports policy and considering other possible opportunities for the athlete.</p>
