Dhaneshwar Farikar (21) 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 even in international events.
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 her 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 `one lakh. “I was also selected for an event in Italy last year. But I had to stay back because it required `1.5 lakh. We don’t have so much money and there is no assistance,” he said.
“Selling vegetables fetches us decent money but the nature of our job is very uncertain. One cannot predict rains, market and other factor. A steady job will bring my son a good standard of living, security and a bright future,” says Nutan.
Though Dhaneshwar earns his living by selling vegetables, he does not miss a single day without practicing kayaking in Boodha Talab. Staring from five in the morning, he dedicates at least six hours to his love for the sport. He says he has done the rounds of sports department but all they tell him is that there is no vacancy.
“Will you please help him get a jobIJ” Nutan asks the reporter while his son pockets a `20 note in exchange for some lotus stems.