A Punch Above The Rest: The Journey Of Vivek Kumar
In the small town of Kumardhubi, Vivek Kumar’s story began like that of many others. Son of Manoj Roy, a salaried worker, and a homemaker mother, his life was shaped by humble beginnings. Yet, Vivek’s destiny held a spark of greatness that would later ignite, thanks to his sheer determination and the opportunities that came his way.
From a young age, Vivek showed an interest in boxing. He initially played for fun, punching bags and throwing jabs without much thought of what lay ahead. It was during one such playful session that he heard about free sports training sessions being organized by Maithon Power Limited (MPL) in partnership with the FINISH Society at Mugma Ground.
Curious, Vivek decided to visit the training ground. There, he met Coach Md. Mahtab Alam, whose passion for the sport and dedication to nurturing talent left a lasting impression. Inspired, Vivek enrolled for boxing coaching.
Life, however, wasn’t easy for the Kumar family. Vivek’s father ran a small business, and financial struggles were a daily challenge. But what Vivek lacked in resources, he made up for in grit.
“हार मानने से बेहतर है मेहनत करना” (It’s better to work hard than to give up), he would remind himself on tough days.
Under Coach Alam’s guidance, Vivek poured his heart into his training. Early mornings, late evenings, and relentless practice became his routine. His efforts began to bear fruit when he was selected for the Elite State Championship held at Khelgaon, Ranchi, organized by the Jharkhand Boxing Association. Competing against seasoned players, Vivek clinched a silver medal. This victory was not just a medal for him—it was proof of his potential.
With the support of his encouraging parents and his coach, Vivek continued to soar. He bagged a gold medal in the 64-67 kg weight category at a boxing competition organized by FINISH Society on National Sports Day at Raj Ground, Poddardih
“हार और जीत जीवन का हिस्सा हैं, लेकिन प्रयास कभी रुकने नहीं चाहिए” (Defeat and victory are part of life, but efforts should never stop), Vivek reflected after each match.
His achievements didn’t stop there. He represented his state at the SGFI National Games and won another silver medal at the State Youth Games. The crowning moment of his career came recently when he was selected to join the prestigious Army Boxing Team.
Today, Vivek Kumar is not just a boxer but a ray of hope for his community. His journey from a playful student to an accomplished athlete serves as an inspiration to many. He credits the FINISH Society and MPL for their unwavering support.
“अगर ये प्लेटफॉर्म ना मिलता, तो शायद मेरा सपना अधूरा रह जाता” (If this platform hadn’t been there, my dream might have remained unfulfilled), Vivek says with gratitude.
His story is a testament to the power of hard work, the importance of professional training, and the transformative impact of community initiatives. From humble beginnings to serving the nation, Vivek Kumar’s punches have landed far beyond the ring—on the hearts of those who dare to dream.