Twenty two-year-old Raj Kumar Tiwari is a street vendor by day and an ice skating champion by night. There are these two wheels of his incredible life – one that keeps him grounded while the other allows him to fly. CNN-IBN has launched an initiative to help Raj Kumar realise his dream of entering the 2018 winter Olympics.
"When I am in the arena, it is almost like I am in a trance…I forget everything, even my street life," said Raj Kumar.
Raj Kumar has been skating on thin ice financially for more than nine years. He has received no formal training, neither a coach. There is, however, one ring where he can practice at a cost.
"I have to go all the way and spend Rs 500 an hour to train. My father earns just about Rs 300 a day," he said, adding that it is his family support that keeps him going.
However, his dream is becoming a burden for his ageing father, Ram Kumar. "Whatever we earn is hard earned. I have to see there is enough food for the family. I face lot of problems earning money," said the father of Raj Kumar.
But this has not deterred the 22-year-old, who says, "I am not bothered what people feel about me. I just know that I need to work hard."
Raj Kumar’s equipment is either donated or is second hand, a lot of which is damaged and he cannot even afford to replace it. "I face problems in arranging for costumes and skates. My family supports me."
Despite his falls and a severe medical condition, Raj Kumar became Indian's lone Special Olympics gold medal winner, and now he wants to focus on the game. His dream is to enter the 2018 Winter Olympics, for which he needs formal training in the US.
"I want India to be at the Number 1 position in the world ranking for skating," he said.
To help Raj Kumar call: 0120 4341895
You can also donate on: www.bitgiving.com/dreamsonice
You can also donate directly in Raj Kumar's SBI account number 34162194792, Sadar Bazaar branch.
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