A modest home filled with certificates and medals stands as proof that grit can overcome severe economic hardship in the Parbatti locality of Bhagalpur, Bihar. Prince, a twelfth-grade student from the neighborhood, has secured selection for an international tournament in the martial art discipline of Pencak Silat. Coming from a household of very modest means, the young athlete is now preparing to represent the nation and bring home an international medal.
Journey Began in 2012 to Fulfill a Father's Lost Dream
Prince specializes in Pencak Silat, a martial arts sport originating from Indonesia. His training journey began back in 2012 at the Kilkari Bhawan facility. Balancing academic responsibilities in class 12 with rigorous athletic demands, he devotes approximately five hours every day to training on the field. This consistent discipline laid the foundation for his elevation to the international competitive roster. Prince attributes his progress to steady encouragement from his father, who once harbored ambitions of becoming a sportsperson himself but was unable to realize them due to adverse circumstances. Today, Prince views his athletic journey as a way to fulfill his father's unfinished aspirations.
Single Selection from Bihar to Challenge Contenders from 33 Nations
The upcoming international competition will feature athletes from approximately 33 nations. Prince has earned qualification in the under-17 division, which falls under the junior competitive category. According to Prince, he is the sole athlete selected from the entire state of Bihar in this age and category bracket. His immediate focus is focused squarely on securing a podium finish for India, maintaining an exhausting routine of five hours of daily field practice to prepare for top-level international competition.
Modest Household Sustained by a Small Jhalmuri Stall
The financial foundation supporting this athletic journey remains exceedingly thin. Prince's father operates a modest snack and jhalmuri stall, which generates the sole income for the entire household. Prince is the eldest among four siblings, and athletic talent runs throughout the home, with his brothers and sisters also competing at the national level in sports. Learning about his selection to an international roster brought immense pride to his father, alongside persistent worries about the cost of sports equipment, travel, and nutritional support. His father noted that if government sports authorities extend direct financial aid and proper facilities, Prince could perform at an even higher caliber on the world stage.
Institutional Praise and Pledges of Official Assistance
Kilkari divisional officer Sahil Raj commended Prince for his dedication and strong track record in martial arts, calling the international call-up a direct result of consistent effort over many years. Prince already has several accomplishments to his credit from previous competitive tiers. Sahil Raj affirmed that the Kilkari organization will extend all available institutional support to the young martial artist while actively working to ensure he receives the requisite financial backing and official assistance from government channels.
