While his father was battling cancer in the hospital, his son Rishikant was making history at the Commonwealth Games.

In the world of sports, such stories often come to light which become examples of human spirit and determination to never give up. Indian weightlifter Rishikant has not only brought glory to the tricolor by winning the silver medal at the Commonwealth Games, but has also created a new history by breaking mountains of difficulties. This success of Rishikant is very different and emotional because at the time when he was sweating for the country on the international stage, at the same time his father was fighting for his life against a deadly disease like cancer on the hospital bed at home.

₹150 in wages and torn shoes: a beginning full of struggles

This journey of Rishikant is no less than a film story. The financial condition of the house of Rishikant, who belonged to a very simple and poor family, was so bad at one time that it was difficult to even arrange food for two meals a day. His father used to work as a laborer at a daily wage of just ₹150 to feed the family. Forget about the expensive diet, protein and good shoes required for sports, Rishikant many times completed his training with torn shoes and on a half stomach. Despite this severe lack of resources, the player within him never weakened.

When a mountain of sorrow broke at home: father’s illness and insistence on medal

When Rishikant was gaining recognition at the national level on the basis of his sporting talent and was busy preparing for the Commonwealth Games, the biggest mountain of sorrow fell on the family. His father was confirmed to have cancer. The expensive treatment expenses and the critical condition of his father had broken Rishikant from within. On one hand his father needed him, on the other hand he had a years-old dream of winning a medal for the country. In such difficult times, his father consoled him and decided to send him to play for the country.

Rishikant’s bravery in the ring: brought silver medal to the country

When Rishikant landed on the podium in that historic match of the Commonwealth Games, only one thing was going on in his mind – his father’s struggle and the hopes of the country. With each lift, he transformed all the pain of his life into strength. As soon as he captured the silver medal, the entire stadium echoed with thunderous applause. After winning the medal, Rishikant could not stop his tears and he dedicated the medal directly to his father, who never let his dreams die even after working as a daily wage of ₹ 150.