India
Gopal works at a tea stall to support his family.
Updated : Nov 21, 2019, 03:36 PM IST
National level swimmer Gopal Prasad Yadav would have not thought in his worst nightmare that even after winning medals for India, he will have to work at a tea stall to support his family.
Gopal, who runs a small tea shop named National Swimmer Tea Stall in Kazipur, Nayatola, is yet another example of the condition of sports and sportspersons in Bihar, who suffer because of the apathy of the system.
Keeping his dream to become an international swimmer aside, Gopal works at a tea stall to support his family.
'National Swimmer Tea Stall', the name attracts many customers. On being asked why it is named so, Gopal said that it highlights the plight of all athletes and he hopes that it will make people aware that a national level swimmer makes his living by selling tea.
Bihar:National level swimmer Gopal Yadav,who had won several medals,runs tea shop in Kazipur,Patna,to make a living,says,'I had applied at few places for job but everyone wanted bribe.I have 2 sons,both are good swimmers but they gave up swimming after seeing my condition'(20.11) pic.twitter.com/wT9SvVM0ZK
— ANI (@ANI) November 20, 2019
In 1987, Gopal represented Bihar for the first time in the national swimming competition held in Kolkata. He then excelled in the national swimming competition held in Kerala in 1988 and 1989. He also came first in the 100 meters backstroke competition in the state championship held in BCA Danapur in 1988.
In 1990, he went for a job interview in the Postal Department but did not get the job.
Today, Gopal teaches swimming in the Ganges. He believes that this has kept his inner swimmer alive. He says that his sons Sunny Kumar and Sonu Kumar are good swimmers, but they gave up swimming after seeing his condition.
His customers believe that it is really deplorable that he should be selling tea on the streets today.
@KirenRijiju he deserves more respect than political leaders, kindly take this matter more seriously as we are going to loose another two talented swimmers
— Saras Samantaray (@sarasray) November 20, 2019
I know him ,he is very decent ,well behaved person
— तुमुल with 69 Others (@RowdyBraggart) November 21, 2019
Dear Minister @KirenRijiju Ji, please help the family if possible.
— Bidhan Chandra Das (@BidhanCDas) November 20, 2019
@KirenRijiju sir pick up this talent as soon as it becomes too late. Our country wants more good swimmers to represent at International level. I am sure you will definitly do something for this also.
— Naman Maheshwari (@This_Is_Naman) November 21, 2019
Corruption at lower and state level is still prevalent .
— asheesh patel (@_user_ap) November 21, 2019
Difference is now people don't talk about it openly https://t.co/WtRcjmZYb8
(Inputs from ANI)