Chamoli’s gold adds lustre to a humble family

Jai Prakash, a cook, kept waiting for a call from his 15-year-old boxer son Rohit Chamoli in the kitchen of a Mohali restaurant on a busy Sunday evening. Chamoli was taking part in ASBC Asian Youth and Junior Boxing Championships in Dubai and competing for gold in the 48kg category against Mongolia’s Otgonbayar Tuvshinzaya.

When Chandigarh pugilist Chamoli finally called to inform his father that he had won gold with a 3-2 points decision, Jai Prakash, who had been jobless for seven months during the lockdown, had tears in his eyes but immensely proud. He called up Chamoli’s coach Joginder Kumar to congratulate and thank him for training his son without a break despite their poverty.

“Coach ko bhadhai ho. Unki wajah se aaj Rohit gold le paya hai itne bade level pe in a restaurant in Mohali a months ago. Even during struggle, we encouraged R even when we had less to eat said. Winners in the junior gory will be awarded $4 (approx. ₹2.94 lakh).

After a cautious start, Ch oli’s precise punches gave the edge in the closely fo bout. It was India’s first go the competition.

Joginder, a former nati level boxer and ASI with Pu Police has been coaching un privileged children in a Cha garh park for 12 years. “Rohi the hunger. He won gold in ior nationals in Sonepat month in 48kg represen Chandigarh. I have been trai him for four years, and never seen him break down

“It is my passion to train children. I train such kids in evening at the park,” said Jo der, who also trained Cham cousin Meenakshi.

“I am so thrilled to take g Chamoli, who was part of boys’ squad that won two g one silver and three bronze, Bharat Joon (+81kg) won other gold. “I just want t home and show the medal t family and coach. They done a lot for me. I have tra in torn shoes and used old gl in the park. My confidence g when I took part in inter-sc tournaments and won med want to upgrade my training one day win an Olympic m for my father who has sacrif so much,” said Chamoli, w mother died when he was and his father remarried.

“Now that he has won g the Boxing Federation of I will call him for camps and vide modern training. He sh be groomed for more inte tional tournaments,” said Jo der.