Rakesh stood first in the district level competition of Bastar Olympics

Kanker. Rakesh Kumar Churendra, a resident of Chihro village in the Durgukandal development block of the district, showcased his weightlifting talent, securing first place in the district-level Bastar Olympics. The 22-year-old explained that he was inspired to take up weightlifting by the “Puna Pariyan Nayi Udaan” initiative run by the Kanker district administration, where he was trained by coach Rikhi Ram Sahu. Coming from a rural background, Rakesh’s success at the Bastar Olympics has become a matter of pride for the entire region.

Rakesh explained that he regularly practices every morning from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Despite a lack of resources, Rakesh demonstrated his determination and practiced with the help of cement-filled weights and wooden bars. He won the gold medal at the district-level Bastar Olympics, lifting 65 kg. Proud and enthusiastic about his success, Rakesh recalls his struggles and hard work, saying that financial difficulties and lack of equipment often created challenges, but he never gave up.

Rakesh is currently preparing for the divisional competition to be held in Jagdalpur, the Bastar divisional headquarters. He is extremely excited about this. His goal is to win the divisional competition at the Bastar Olympics and, in the long run, bring glory to Chihro village and Kanker district at the state and national levels. Inspiring the youth of the region, he says that if the goal is strong and the hard work is sincere, then lack of resources cannot stop you. Rakesh’s inspiring story is a message to the youth of Bastar that big dreams can be achieved with willpower and hard work.