#NewsBytesExclusive: Three-time national winner sells food to fund upcoming championship
Several athletes have made India proud internationally. However, what one doesn't know is how life isn't a cakewalk for most of them with the kind of struggles they experience. Newsbytes interviewed one such sportsperson named Aman Bisht, a calisthenics athlete, who is selling fast food to represent India at a global championship due to a lack of financial sponsorship.
Why does this story matter?
Aman Bisht from Dehradun is a three-time national calisthenics champion, now gearing up for the International Burningate Cup in Italy this September. The lack of financial support has pushed him to open two fast-food shops to fund his Italy journey. Unfortunately, one of them got destroyed in the recent Uttarakhand floods. He's now seeking donations - only to make India proud.
'My dad drives taxi, mom works at CM guest house'
Explaining his family background to us, Bisht says, "Both my parents are working. My mother, a former dialysis technician, now works as hospitality management staff at the CM guest house, while my father is a taxi driver." He has done Bachelor's in Travel and Tourism Management, a four-year course, and is currently mastering his calisthenics skills for the upcoming championship.
What got you into calisthenics?
"Years back when I was in school, I got inclined towards doing something in the gym because I wasn't so studious," shared Bisht. "Since finances weren't great because of school and tuition fees, my parents didn't let me do gyming. I started bodyweight training at home watching YouTube videos. Little did I know I was doing calisthenics! No place and equipment needed," he revealed.
'My fast-food eatery and online classes bring me limited income'
"Right now my only source of income is my street-side fast-food eatery and the online classes I offer to people. The food joint is not working well because of the floods and the ongoing season. Classes are limited and bring quarterly income."
'CM gave Rs. 1 lakh, not enough for my travel'
Bisht had asked the government for help. "The CM of Uttarakhand has given me Rs. 1 lakh but it is not enough for my survival in Italy throughout the world cup," states Bisht. "This amount will quickly get exhausted in my supplements. Bardolino in Italy is very expensive. Hotel room prices start at Rs. 12,000 to Rs. 15,000 per night," he adds.
Bisht is raising donations to fulfill his dream
While his visa process is done, he's seeking donations through the online crowdfunding platform Milaap. "I am collecting funds for my sponsorship because calisthenics isn't a recognized sport in India. I've created a donation link on Milaap. It's the only hope. This has got me a lakh more but I need at least Rs. 3-4 lakh in total," he says.
Bisht also posted a reel to spread more awareness
Last month, Bisht posted an Instagram Reel that quickly made rounds on social media. The video featured his past achievements at various competitions and the sad reality of him cooking at his fast-food stall. "The Reel has helped me raise more funds. People have been kind to support a genuine cause and I am extremely grateful to them," Bisht tells NewsBytes.
His reel has over 5 million views, 9 lakh likes
'I appeal to make calisthenics a recognized sport in India'
"Calisthenics is harder than gymnastics but it's the latter which is recognized and not the former," enlightens Bisht. He adds, "Recognition of this sport is very important for us as we train hard for years (sometimes even 10-12 years) to be professional at it," he adds. "If not monetary, we at least hope to get recognition and appreciation for it," he concludes.
Here's how you can help Bisht and India win
To help Bisht achieve his dream of making India win at the International Burningate Cup 2023 happening in Italy in September, you can donate here. "I will not leave a single stone unturned to make my nation's flag rise high on an international platform. I am giving my best to make my country feel proud," writes Bisht in his appeal.
