Prez adds punch to Jharkhand boxer

Born a labourer’s son in a slum of Jamshedpur, 16-year-old Namit Bahadur boxing skill enabled him to win a bronze medal for the country at the World Junior Boxing Championship in Yerevan. HT highlighted his achievement against great odds, and his desire to win a medal in the 2012 London Olympics. Moved by the story, President Pratibha Patil expressed her desire to help him, reports B Vijay Murty.

Fighting his way up from a slum in Jamshedpur to a boxing ring in Armenia was no mean feat for 16-year-old Namit Bahadur.

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Born a labourer’s son in the slums of Brisanagar colony, his boxing skill enabled him to win a bronze medal for the country at the World Junior Boxing Championship in Yerevan, Armenia on May 29.

HT highlighted his achievement against great odds, and his desire to win a medal in the 2012 London Olympics. Moved by the story, President Pratibha Patil expressed her desire to help.

“She wants to do something for the lad to help him accomplish his dreams and win laurels for the nation,” Archana Dutta, OSD to the President, told HT on Monday.

Namit’s mother, Radhika Devi had written to the President about the family’s struggles and Namit’s requirements if he is to aspire to a world championship in boxing.

Namit is currently attending a national camp in Haryana. “Players get good food at national camps,” said Radhika. "But what happens once he gets back? It will be the usual frugal meals at home."

Tata Steel has offered Namit a contract job.