Boxer Dinesh Kumar, an Arjuna award recipient who has represented India at national and international levels, is now seen wandering on streets of Haryana, selling kulfi (ice-cream) for his living.
Recently, a video posted by a news agency went viral where former sportsman can be seen pushing a cart titled “Dinesh Kulfi” even as auto rickshaws and people on bicycles pass Mr Kumar nonchalantly, little knowing that they are sharing the frame with a man who could have well become the country’s next boxing star.
Kumar, who has won 17 gold medals, one silver and five bronze medals, says that he has no choice but to sell kulfi with his father to pay off debts as no assistants came from the government’s side. This is after since he met with the ill fate when his car collided with a truck in 2014.
After sustaining severe injuries in that road accident, his father had to borrow money for his treatment. This came when his father was already burdened with a loan that he had taken to send his son to compete at the international level.
In order to repay the mounting interest on the debt, Kumar had no option but to get on the street to earn his daily living.
Reflecting to his plight, Kumar has urged the government to provide him with a stable government job. The sportman has further said that he could also train budding boxers for global events. His coach Vishnu Bhagwan also highlighted the abilities of Kumar and urged the government to pay heed to his demands.
