In a quiet village of Sindri Colony, Nirsa, lived a boy named Ashutosh Kumar, the son of Ramlagan Prasad, a salaried worker, and a homemaker mother. Ashutosh was like any other village youth—full of dreams but limited by opportunities. Yet, his story is one of sheer determination, support from his loved ones, and the power of initiatives aimed at nurturing talent.

Discovering a Passion

Ashutosh, a student at the time, found joy in playing volleyball with his friends. For him, it was just a pastime, a way to unwind. One day, he heard about free volleyball coaching sessions at Poddardih Ground, organized by Maithon Power Limited (MPL) with the support of the FINISH Society. The sessions were conducted by the dedicated coach, Ganesh Yadav. Intrigued and encouraged by his parents, Ashutosh decided to give it a try.

When he first joined the training, things weren’t easy. The rigorous drills and techniques were challenging.

“शुरुआत में बहुत मुश्किलें आईं, लेकिन मेहनत और लगन के आगे कुछ भी असंभव नहीं होता,” Ashutosh reflect.

Slowly but steadily, under the patient guidance of Ganesh Yadav, he began to sharpen his skills.

First Taste of Success

Ashutosh’s hard work bore fruit when he was selected to represent his district in the 5th Jharkhand Shooting Ball Championship 2022-23. The tournament, held at Tiruldih in Seraikela Kharsawan, saw his team clinch the winner’s trophy. This victory boosted his confidence and motivated him to push further. His biggest moment, however, came when he was chosen to compete in the 42nd National Shooting Ball Championship held in Varanasi in May 2023. Competing at the national level was a dream come true for the young boy from Sindri Colony.

Turning Passion into Purpose

Amidst these milestones, a new opportunity knocked at Ashutosh’s door—the SSC GD recruitment for the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). Encouraged by his coach and family, Ashutosh decided to apply. He cleared the written and physical tests with ease. However, during the medical examination, an unexpected challenge arose. It seemed like his dream might be slipping away.

But fate had other plans. Ashutosh presented his national games certificate, which highlighted his physical fitness and endurance. Recognizing his capabilities, he was deemed fit to serve. Soon, he completed his training and proudly donned the ITBP uniform, ready to serve his country.

A Grateful Heart

Today, Ashutosh is not only self-reliant but also a proud protector of the nation. Reflecting on his journey, he says, “मैं आज जो भी हूं, उसमें मेरे माता-पिता, कोच गणेश यादव, और MPL व FINISH SOCIETY के सहयोग का बड़ा हाथ है।” He deeply appreciates the opportunities provided by the free sports training program, which helped village youth like him realize their potential and reach new heights.

Conclusion

Ashutosh’s story is a testament to what hard work, perseverance, and proper guidance can achieve. From a boy playing volleyball for fun to an ITBP officer serving the nation, his journey inspires countless others in his community to dream big. Initiatives like those of MPL and FINISH Society are not just programs; they are lifelines for rural talent, transforming dreams into reality.

Ashutosh’s journey reminds us all that no dream is too big if one has the courage to chase it and the support to sustain it.