Maharashtra Bus Conductor Won 3 Gold Medals At Australian Master Games. Here’s His Story.

No more than a very small percentage of 1.2 billion people is willing to devote their life to judo, fencing, javelin throw and the like.

Abasaheb Gaikwad is not a part of the ‘great Indian middle class’. He is just a humble bus conductor who belongs to Shetjale village in Sangli, Maharashtra.

A district, state and national level athlete, Abasaheb, had won two gold medals in javelin and discus throw in Torino International Masters Games, held in Italy in 2013.

 

And now, he has struck gold medal again at the Australian Master Games, currently being held in Adelaide.

He did this without a coach. Since there was no monetary help from any sports federation, his friends pooled in funds to support his sport and the cause.

In the category of 30-35 age group, he participated in three sports – shot put, discus throw, and hammer throw. He won gold by beating players from seven countries, including Australia.

 

Speaking from Adelaide, Abasaheb narrated his journey to Pune Mirror:

‘Before embarking on the trip Down Under, I had to go through a qualifying round in Mumbai, where I performed outstandingly and got chosen for the tour. My friends and colleagues helped me a lot, both in terms of gathering funds and preparing for the tournament. The cost of the tour is huge. Everyone collected a sum of Rs 2.5 lakh. After tasting success in Turin, I found my confidence and decided to give the Australian Master Games a shot. I continued my practice along with my job and, as usual, got much support from seniors and family members.’

 

And, here’s what his proud wife had to say:

‘Despite an odd job and a poor financial condition at home, my husband continued his training without a coach. Now, he has once again proved himself.’

 

Ashok Gaikwad, a close friend of Abasaheb was overjoyed at his success:

‘Aba used to get up in the morning and go for the practice. Since he was preparing for the Australian Master Games, the senior officials in his  department shifted him to internal duty and even offered trips that are close to the depot. Now, he has done it again and, this time, he has bagged three medals.’

Then, why does a country with a billion people win so few Olympic medals brigade? We all have thought of this question at least once in our lives.

Things must change!

News Source: Pune Mirror