Just yesterday, the story of a security guard studying inside an ATM kiosk highlighted how several people in our country have to struggle hard to realize their dreams.
However, there are also some who have to give up on it and take an alternative route to financially support their family. One such person is national boxer Abid Khan who is now driving an auto and unloading sacks at a grain market to make ends meet.
Khan, a former North India boxing champion in 1985, holds a diploma in boxing from the National Institute of Sports (NIS), Patiala, and was an Inter-university champion from Chandigarh, reported The Indian Express. He even trained several army boxing teams for around five years.
Khan had also represented Punjab University and was a student of SD College, Chandigarh. However, due to financial crisis and certain unforeseen circumstances, he had to quit coaching and look for other means of livelihood.
People came to know about the plight of this sportsman after a clip of him showing his moves was shared online. In the video interview, Khan shared how he is unable to make a career in sports despite having legitimate degrees and expertise in the field.
“For a middle-class person, it’s a curse that he isn’t rich and it’s even more difficult if he’s a sports personality. There’s nothing in here apart from the wastage of time for us. Even after holding a diploma and having so many achievements, I didn’t bag a job. That’s when I looked for other jobs to make money.”
On asked if it bothers him to do such odd jobs despite being a trained sportsman, he said, “When is started unloading sacks in the market, it used to bother me, but not anymore. I don’t have any other option. I often look at my old photographs and certificates in memory of the good old days. Things weren’t in my favor then, hence I am here today,” he added.
Here he is, speaking his heart out:
Khan’s video sparked a debate on the plight of sportspersons in the country. While some sympathized with him, others offered to help.
Thanks to you for uploading this story of an National boxer..
It is so sad to see him struggling to survive.
I hope the concerned authorities will utilize his services and we get to see him as coach soon not a Auto driver.— Suhail Saleem Mir (@MirSuhailssm) April 15, 2021
This is an incredible and unfortunate find. How can I help him if he indeed is open to receiving help. Could you please DM me
— Arif Ayyub (@arifayyub) April 14, 2021
@BeCureFit what about hiring him as boxing coach. We really need these kind of ppl in our centers
— Ashutosh (@ashutosh252) April 15, 2021
Abid Khan exudes such passion, it makes our heart cry..
Thanks for the Story, …
& then, there are coaches who can’t care enough to even send boxers to sauna ahead of olympic matches, …
— . (@smjalageri) April 14, 2021
Gr8 work @duggal_saurabh for making this viral. Pity that other sports doesn’t have financial backing as cricket
— Raju Trivedi (@rajutriv) April 15, 2021
Khan could have been a sportsman, living the life of his dreams. However, today he drives a rented auto and earns only Rs 9500 per month. Seeing his situation, Khan has discouraged his two sons to make a career in sports. However, he still hopes to get back to coaching.
Life has been cruel to him. But we hope people and the authorities come in support of Khan and he could finally start doing what loves the most.