Date: October 6, Friday
Ram Baboo’s incredible journey from a daily wage laborer’s son in an impoverished Uttar Pradesh village to becoming an Asian Games 2023 bronze medalist in race walking is nothing short of a modern-day fairy tale. His story is a testament to the indomitable human spirit, sacrifice, and unyielding determination that can turn dreams into reality, not only in the world of sports but also as an inspiration to an entire nation.
A Triumph Against All Odds: From Laborer to Asian Games Medalist
Born into a family that knew the harsh realities of financial struggle, Ram Baboo grew up in Behura village in Sonbhadra district. His father, a manual laborer, toiled tirelessly to earn a meager income that barely sustained their family of six. With three sisters and no land to call their own, the family’s financial situation was dire.
However, within the young Ram Baboo, there burned a fervent desire for something greater in life. He harbored a deep passion for sports, especially athletics, and dreamt of breaking free from the shackles of poverty. This was the genesis of his remarkable journey, a journey that would not only transform his life but also inspire countless others.
A Vision Ignited by the 2012 Olympics: Dreams Take Flight
The turning point in Ram Baboo’s life came when he watched the 2012 Olympics on a modest television set in his school hostel. As he witnessed Indian athletes like Mary Kom, Saina Nehwal, Sushil Kumar, and Gagan Narang clinch medals on the global stage, his heart swelled with determination. It was the same yearning for success that courses through every athlete’s veins.
In the seventh grade at the time, Ram Baboo was profoundly inspired by these stories of perseverance and achievement. He began collecting newspaper clippings and photographs of these Olympic heroes, preserving them in a cherished folder. This folder would serve as a constant reminder of the dreams he aspired to chase, not just for himself but for his entire community.
The Path to Long-Distance Running: A Struggle With a Purpose
Ram Baboo initially dabbled in marathons, 10,000m, and 5,000m races but found himself plagued by persistent knee pain. It was under the guidance of local coach Pramod Yadav that he shifted his focus to race walking, a discipline that placed less strain on his knees.
Determined to excel, Ram Baboo harnessed the power of social media, joining fitness and long-distance running groups to seek guidance and mentorship. In 2017, at the tender age of 17, he left for Varanasi, where he encountered a proper athletics stadium and met coach Chandrabahan Yadav.
The Grit of a Champion: Overcoming Hurdles
However, Ram Baboo’s journey was far from smooth. While in Varanasi, he worked as a waiter, enduring grueling hours and disrespectful patrons. His earnings were meager, but his determination remained unwavering. He knew that these trials were just stepping stones on his path to greatness, not just for himself but also for his family and the community that had always believed in him.
In 2019, he secured the guidance of a coach at the Bhopal SAI Centre, furthering his journey. His crowning moment came in February 2020 when he finished fourth in the 50km race walk at the National Race Walk Championships, not just as an athlete but as a symbol of hope and inspiration for his village.
A Setback That Became a Setup for Glory: The MGNREGA Interlude
The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent nationwide lockdown forced Ram Baboo to return to his village. His parents struggled to secure work to make ends meet. During this period, they found solace in the MGNREGA scheme, where Ram Baboo worked tirelessly, digging pits for road construction to support his family.
After working for one and a half months under the MGNREGA scheme, Ram Baboo’s restlessness led him back to Bhopal in 2021. Here, he secured a silver medal in the 50km race walk at the National Race Walk Championships, not just as an athlete but as a symbol of resilience and determination for his community.
A Remarkable Preparation for Asian Games 2023
In the run-up to the Asian Games 2023, Ram Baboo displayed an unparalleled level of commitment and dedication. His daily training regimen was marked by rigorous practice sessions, under the expert guidance of coach Basant Rana at the Army Sports Institute in Pune.
Ram Baboo’s preparation included a focus on his endurance, technique, and mental strength. He tirelessly fine-tuned his race walking form, ensuring that he could maintain a brisk pace over long distances without risking injury.
From Struggles to Success: An Army of Dreams
Ram Baboo’s relentless pursuit of excellence eventually earned him a spot at the Army Sports Institute in Pune, guided by coach Basant Rana. As the World Athletics organization removed the 50km event, Ram Baboo adapted, focusing on the 35km race walk, not just as an athlete but as a representative of his nation.
His journey reached its zenith when he secured a gold medal at the National Open Championships in September 2021, setting a national record time in the 35km race walk. This extraordinary achievement paved his way into the national camp in Bengaluru, not just as an athlete but as a source of pride and inspiration for India.
A Hero’s Journey: Fulfilling Dreams, Uplifting Hearts
With his family’s unwavering support and ironclad resolve, Ram Baboo secured a job in the Army, achieving the rank of a havildar. Although he is currently under probation, he is drawing a basic salary, with brighter days on the horizon, not just as an athlete but as a symbol of hope for his family and his country.
In the village of Bhairava Gandhi in Sonbhadra district, where he hails from, there is an overwhelming sense of joy and pride. His mother, Meena Devi, sells milk mawa in the nearby Madhupur market to contribute to her son’s dreams, not just as a mother but as a symbol of unwavering support.
The Triumph at Asian Games 2023: Tears of Joy and Pride
And now, to add to this incredible journey, Ram Baboo achieved an Asian Games bronze medal in race walking alongside his teammate Manju Rani. As he stood on that podium, tears of joy streamed down his face. It was a moment of validation, a culmination of years of sweat, sacrifice, and unwavering belief, not just for himself but for his nation.
With this medal, Ram Baboo’s journey comes full circle. From a daily wage laborer’s son to an Asian Games medalist, his story is a testament to the power of dreams, resilience, and the human spirit, not just in the world of sports but also as an inspiration to an entire nation. It’s a story that continues to inspire, proving that with determination, anything is possible, not just for one individual but for the world of sports and the entire country. https://www.sportiwe.com/
