Deepak Kumar, a 22-year-old national-level athletic champion from Punjab’s Fazilka district, has been forced to run a sugarcane juice cart outside the mini secretariat to support his family, despite winning dozens of state and national medals.
Deepak’s plight, highlighted by the medals he displays on his cart, has sparked outrage and renewed debate over the lack of support for Indian athletes. Officials have acknowledged his achievements and say they are reviewing his case, but no concrete assistance has yet been provided.
From National Podiums to Roadside Resilience
Deepak Kumar, a resident of Sabuana village, has an impressive athletics record: two national silver medals (6,000 m cross-country at the Athletics Federation of India event in Nagaland, 2022, and 8 km cross-country at the Schools Federation of India event in Nagaland, 2023), 16 gold medals in state-level meets, and five Khel Rattan Awards in “Khedan Vatan Punjab Dian” events organised by the Punjab Government.
He has also secured top positions in races across Ludhiana, Sangrur, Patiala, and Mohali. Yet, with no job offers or financial support, Deepak now sells sugarcane juice in the blistering Fazilka heat, his medals hanging from his cart as a silent protest. Passers-by are often moved by his story, stopping to ask about his achievements and expressing disappointment in the system.
Systemic Neglect: A Family’s Struggle and a State’s Dilemma
Deepak’s father, Charanjit, has been a pillar of support, encouraging his son’s sporting ambitions despite the family’s financial struggles and his own illness. Charanjit recounts Deepak’s journey from local races to national championships, emphasising the lack of government jobs and financial aid for athletes even as the Punjab government claims to be reviving sports culture.
Despite repeated appeals to authorities and sports officials, Deepak’s requests for employment or sponsorship have gone unanswered. His situation is emblematic of the broader challenges faced by many Indian athletes, who often struggle to find stable livelihoods after their sporting careers.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, Deepak Kumar’s story is a stark reminder of the urgent need for systemic reform in how India supports its athletes. Talent and perseverance should be rewarded with opportunity, not hardship.
Our champions deserve more than applause, they need jobs, financial security, and respect for their contributions. Deepak’s medals are not just symbols of his achievements but also silent testimonies to a system that must do better.
