Twenty-one-year-old Dhaneshwar Farikar is an ordinary looking vegetable seller who squats behind a heap of lotus stems in Shashtri market. But what sets him apart is a cupboard full of trophies, medals and certificates at his home that he has won in kayaking competitions, some in international events too.
Dhaneshwar, resident of Purani Basti, is a champion in kayaking - a water sport that involves rowing a slim boat with double ended paddles. Moreover, he had held top position in the state for swimming from 2001 to 2008. “I have worked very hard to bring laurels to the state. But there is nothing that the government did for me and until they do, I have to help my mother in the vegetable market to make ends meet,” said Dhaneshwar with a sheepish smile.
Nutan Farikar (65) sits on a lane opposite his son. She is pained to see that despite all the appreciation and trophies, her son’s hard work goes unnoticed by the sports department. An illiterate and a mother of eight, Nutan is proud of her sons and tells that each one of his six sons is an excellent sportsman. In 2011, Dhaneshwar had participated in kayaking event in Thailand and came back with two bronze and one silver medal. The trip had burdened him by Rs one lakh.