Jamshedpur (Jharkhand): The rooms full of medals and trophies in Arjun Tudu's home stand a testament to his athletic prowess. Sadly however, the athlete from Jharkhand's East Singhbhum district is now only cleaning the dust off his trophies.
Once a national-level athlete, Arjun is now sweating it out as a contractual labourer to support his family amid a financial crunch.
Arjun, who hails from the rural area of Potka, was among the state's best long distance runners, winning many medals from the junior to the national level. He had also represented Jharkhand in the National Games held in Kerala in 2015.
"The situation is such that I have no other choice but to work as a labourer. Jharkhand's sports policy is very bad. Athletes get no support whatsoever from the government," rued Arjun.
"I want a government job to take care of my family and to ensure that I keep playing for Jharkhand and win medals," he added.
The athlete's friends and family feel that he should be given his due by the government.
"He used to run, but we are very poor. It will be good if the government provides him a job," said Sakro Tudu, the athlete's aunt.
Echoing similar sentiments, Dharmu, Arjun's friend said that he deserved to get a government job. "He still has the capability of competing and winning medals at the higher levels," he said.
Madho Mardi, the village head, said that the entire village is proud of its son, and urged the administration to help the athlete during these tough times.
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