Ranchi: Four-time international gold medallist throwball player Amardeep Kumar is driving a cab and helping his family sell vegetables to make ends meet, despite representing India and winning medals at major international competitions. The 29-year-old athlete says he is still waiting for financial assistance and a government job from the Jharkhand government.
Amardeep, who has repeatedly approached authorities seeking recognition and support, said his requests for a cash award and government employment have not received a favourable response so far. His circumstances have brought attention to the financial difficulties faced by athletes after representing the country at international events.
Sporting journey began at 13
Amardeep’s journey in sport began when he was 13. During a summer vacation, a local player noticed his interest in sports and offered to train him free of cost at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi.
He soon took up throwball and gradually progressed through the sport. Alongside his training and competitions, Amardeep also helped his father with the family’s vegetable business after completing his studies each day.
His early exposure to the sport eventually led him to represent India at international competitions, where he went on to win four gold medals.
Four international gold medals
Amardeep’s first international gold medal came at the Asian Junior Throwball Championship held in Malaysia in 2015.
He subsequently secured another gold at the Indo-Nepal Throwball Championship in Kathmandu in 2017. His third international gold came at the South Asian Throwball Championship in Bengaluru in 2019.
His latest gold medal was won at the second edition of the South Asian Throwball Championship held in Ranchi in 2026.
The achievements have made Amardeep an accomplished player in the sport, but he says his success on the international stage has not translated into financial security for himself or his family.
Took loans to participate in tournaments
According to Amardeep, participating in tournaments often came with significant expenses, forcing him to borrow money to meet the costs associated with competing.
He said he took loans on several occasions to participate in tournaments and later repaid them by driving a cab and helping with the family vegetable business.
“I often took loans to participate in tournaments. I repaid them by selling vegetables and driving a cab while supporting my family,” Amardeep said.
His account highlights the financial challenges that can confront athletes competing in sports that receive comparatively limited commercial and institutional support.
Despite winning international medals, he has had to continue working outside sport to meet household expenses and repay the money spent on his sporting career.
Seeks government job and financial assistance
Amardeep said he has repeatedly approached the authorities seeking recognition for his achievements, along with financial assistance and a government job.
He also met former Jharkhand Sports Minister Hafizul Hasan to raise the issue, but said his efforts have so far not resulted in the assistance he was seeking.
The athlete said some of his teammates from states such as Chhattisgarh, Haryana and Bihar have received government employment and other benefits in recognition of their sporting achievements.
He cited the example of a Haryana player who had played alongside him and served as his captain, saying the player had received various benefits from the state government.
Amardeep believes similar recognition could provide him with greater financial stability and allow him to support his family while continuing his sporting career.
Family depends on multiple sources of income
For now, Amardeep continues to drive a cab during the day while also helping his family sell vegetables at Argora Chowk.
His family consists of his parents and elder brother, with each contributing towards household expenses.
His father earns a livelihood by selling vegetables, while his mother, who is a homemaker, also sells vegetables door-to-door. Amardeep said she carries around 35 kg of vegetables on her head while making her rounds.
His elder brother runs a fast-food stall and contributes to the family’s income.
The family has therefore had to depend on several sources of income to meet its daily needs, even as Amardeep continues to carry the distinction of having represented India and won four international gold medals.
Recognition remains a concern
Amardeep’s experience has raised questions about the support available to athletes after they achieve success at international competitions.
While medal-winning performances can bring recognition to the country and state, athletes from less commercially prominent sports may continue to face difficulties in finding stable employment and financial assistance.
For Amardeep, the contrast between representing India on the international stage and driving a cab to support his family has become a defining part of his story.
He continues to hope that the authorities will consider his applications and provide appropriate recognition for his achievements.
Until then, the four-time international gold medallist remains focused on supporting his family through whatever work is available, while keeping his sporting accomplishments as a testament to years of training, sacrifice and dedication.