Sonbhadra: Rambabu, a resident of Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh, secured the bronze medal alongside Manju Rani in the mixed team event of the 35 km walk at the 2023 Asian Games. During the challenging period of the Covid pandemic, Rambabu's journey was marked by resilience. Under MNREGA, he worked as a labourer at many construction sites. He later took up jobs as a hotel waiter in Varanasi and worked at a courier packaging company for four months. 

Regardless of the circumstances, Rambabu remained unwavering in his determination. He achieved an extraordinary feat by clinching the gold medal and breaking the national record in the 35 km men's race walk at the National Games. Subsequently, he continued his journey as an athlete and represented India at the 2023 Asian Games. This is an inspiring story of Asian Games medallist Rambabu, who reached to the heights of success through sheer hard work. 

The beginnings

Rambabu's father, Chhotalal, works as a labourer farmer. The family lives in a tile-roofed mud house. Rambabu received his primary education at a local school and later pursued his education from Navodaya Vidyalaya. His passion for sports ignited at a young age, and it was during the 2012 London Olympics that he made the life-changing decision to become a runner.

Despite the limited resources available in his village, Rambabu began his journey by running on the footpaths. Eventually, he travelled to Varanasi to pursue his training and chase his dream of becoming a successful runner.

Rambabu's determination

During his training in Varanasi, Rambabu faced financial hardships, struggling even to afford basic meals. To support himself, he worked as a waiter in a local hotel. However, when the hotel had to close due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he returned to his village.

Back in his hometown, Rambabu decided to contribute to his family's livelihood by participating in the MNREGA programme, where he helped dig a pond. After the lockdown was lifted, he moved to Bhopal. There, under the guidance of former Olympian Basant Bahadur Rana, he trained himself as a professional runner. 

His dedication bore fruit when he competed in the National Open Championship for the 35 km race-walk and clinched the gold medal. This achievement earned him a spot in the national camp, marking a remarkable turn in his journey.

Record-breaking journey

Rambabu set a new national record at the National Games by completing the 35 km walking event in just 2 hours, 36 minutes, and 34 seconds, and earned a gold medal. This national record was previously held by Mohammad Junaid from Haryana. However, Rambabu was determined to set new national records. In the National Walking Championship in Ranchi on February 15, he improved upon his own achievement, completing the 35 km walk in just 2 hours, 31 minutes, and 36 seconds, and set a new record.

His incredible journey continued when he participated in an international competition in Slovakia on March 25, and covered the same distance of 35 km in a remarkable 2 hours, 29 minutes, and 56 seconds. Rambabu's determination and consistent improvement have made him a shining star in the world of race walking.

A family's dedication 

Rambabu made these remarkable achievements through the unwavering support of his family. His father, Chhotalal, worked tirelessly as a farm labourer, sending the hard-earned money to his son to help him pursue his dreams. His mother, Meena Devi, played a significant role in his aspirations. She made healthy and nutritious snacks from milk products and sold them in the Madhupur market. Through his parents’ relentless dedication and hard work, Rambabu could successfully fulfil his family’s dreams. 

Rambabu’s two sisters are married, and his younger sister, Suman, is pursuing engineering in Prayagraj. This family's collective effort and sacrifices contributed significantly to Rambabu's remarkable journey to success.