Akashdeep Singh

Akashdeep Singh, a Class IX student from Satya Bharti Adarsh Senior Secondary School, Jhaneri (Sangrur District, Punjab) has done his village proud with his winning streak at the Martial Arts tournaments. The 15 year-old champion has been consistently winning gold medals at district, state as well as national level championships. Recently, Mr. Jagtar Singh, Sarpanch, Roshanwala Village, Sangrur District felicitated Akashdeep, the “golden” boy, at a school event, proclaiming him ‘The Pride of Sangrur’.

Akash, born into a family with a challenging financial situation, is the youngest of the three brothers; his mother manages the household while his father struggles to make ends meet with his tailoring work at a small rented shop in the village bazaar.

Akashdeep had expressed his interest in kick-boxing two years ago. With the Satya Bharti School providing quality education, completely free of cost, including nutritious mid-day meals, free books, uniforms etc., Akashdeep was able to convince his parents to provide monetary support for his coaching. He also received tremendous encouragement from his teachers and friends to pursue his passion.

This dedicated fighter did not let anyone down; he attends training sessions that take up to six hours a day, seven days a week, and the rigour only increases when a tournament date draws closer.

Akash’s father, Gurchain Singh, said, “When Akash first expressed his desire to learn Karate, we were hesitant. Not only were we worried about injuries but paying Rs.400 per month was a challenge given our limited income. However, today, we cannot express how proud we are of Akash’s achievements. My happiness knows no bounds when I walk through the village and I am called the father of a champion!”

The father’s pride is matched by that of his school teachers and friends. His winnings include:

• Gold medal for individual Kumite at the National Karate Championship 2016, organised by Universal Karate Club & Universal Shito-Ryu Karate Federation of India for the under 48kg, under 17 Boys category, held in Amritsar
• Gold medal at the Kung-Fu-Wushu District Sangrur organised by the Kung Fu Wushi (regd) Association India for the under 50kg, under 17 Boys category, held in Lehragaga (Sangrur)
• Gold medal at the 3rd Inter-State Karate Championship 2016, organised by the All India Shito-Ryu Karate Organisation (Karate Association of India) for the under 50kg, under 16 Boys category, held in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan
• Gold medal at the Mussourie Open Karate Championship 2016, organised by Shito Ryu Seiko Karate Do India (Karate Association of India) for the under 52kg, under 17 Boys category, held in Mussourie, Uttarakhand.

Mr. Jagtar Singh, Sarpanch, Roshanwala Village said, “Akashdeep is truly the pride of Sangrur! I thank the teachers and Principal of Satya Bharti Adarsh Senior Secondary School, Jhaneri for leaving no stone unturned in supporting Akashdeep’s swift rise as a Champion. If all schools encourage students to pursue co-curricular activities, I am sure we will be able to make our mark in any international competition.”

Today, a proud Akashdeep Singh says, “It is my dream to become a World Champion in Kick-boxing. I thank my teachers for encouraging me to pursue my dreams. With the blessings of my community elders, I will not stop till I return with a Gold from the Asian Games!”