Parents' labour not in vain: Ramchandra Badak clinches gold medal in Pencak Silat at National Games 2023

The Maharashtrian athlete's parents worked hard to help him pursue his dreams.

"Maharashtra's Ramchandra Badak's parents' determination to help him pursue his love for martial arts bore fruit on Friday night when the 22-year-old Mumbai-born player clinched the gold medal in the Pencak Silat Tanding Finals at the ongoing National Games 2023 in Goa.

His father, who works as a security guard, ensured that financial challenges never hindered his son's journey. "Without my parents, this would not have been possible. There were times when they really struggled to purchase the uniform required to play this sport," said Badak after winning the gold.

Badak tried his hand at various martial arts forms before settling on Pencak Silat back in 2012. He quickly showcased his talent and took part in his first nationals in Kurukshetra, Haryana, that year, where he won the gold. There was no looking back from there.

"I excelled in Silambam (a form of traditional martial art in India) and won three gold medals at the School Games Federation of India events. However, once I got to know more about Pencak Silat, I gave up Silambam and focused on the latter," he added.

The high point in his career so far arrived at the sixth edition of the Asian Pencak Silat Championships in Jammu last year, where he won bronze. "That was a huge motivation for me. In a way, it helped me prepare for this year's National Games 2023 in Goa," he remarked.

Next Target: Winning World Championships Gold

For Ramachandra, the success in Goa is already in the past, and he wants to focus on the upcoming World Championships scheduled to be held in Singapore in December this year.

"Yes, that is the main aim right now. While I am elated with my success in Goa, there is no time to be complacent but to continue with the hard work," Ramchandra said.

"So far, I have won medals in all the national events that I have participated in since 2012. But it will be my maiden appearance in the World Championships, and it is a different ballgame altogether. I am ready to give my absolute best," he added."