Down, but not out

This is the saga of an unsung hero in a sport that is likely to debut in Tokyo Olympics but who is running from pillar to post to land up with a job in the police department in accordance with GO No 84.

What is more tragically ironic is that even his being included in the ‘Telugu Book of Records’ is also not helping him realise his dreams!

He, however, remains optimistic that not only would he be able to make ends meet (his present earnings are peanuts) but some noble soul would rise to the occasion and help him in his mission to produce the next generation of karate champions.

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Despite all odds, city-based martial arts exponent Jameel Khan Patan is optimistic about the sustenance of the popular sport

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Penury it may not be in the exact sense of the word, but he is struggling to maintain a decent living. Unfortunately for him, his resume that speaks of being associated with Tollywood celebrities like Ram Charan (prior to his donning the grease paint), Nikhil, Jagapathi Babu, Naresh and some renowned doctors, is not fetching him any substantial earnings beyond the hand-to-mouth income.

On interacting with him, one finds that the city-based martial arts exponent Jameel Khan Patan is quite unlike his contemporary international athletes.

Even as others focus on last-minute training stints during their overseas tours, Jameel Khan takes up ‘part-time work’ so that he could utilise the money so earned for taking part in the subsequent competition.

His track-record is genuinely impressive. An overall tally of 16 gold medals, 13 silver and 17 bronze medals won at various international events, and producing a sizeable number of champions, speaks volumes of the talent that the 40-year old Jameel boasts of.

“I was offered a decent job by a martial arts organisation, which wished that I take up the job and settle down in the United States. However, the opportunity of representing the country held me back.

I have a burning desire to represent India at Tokyo Olympics. However, I have to overcome myriad financial constraints to achieve it,” he rues.

Although, vexed with the lip-service extended by people in power whenever he sought their assistance, Jameel is, nonetheless, proud of his being a coach at Safdariya Girls School, which has won 40 national and 20 State championships in the last five years. Interestingly, the aided-school does not pay him for training their students except that it gives him the ground.

“I collect nominal fees from student-trainees, who do not belong to the school. Alas, very few from the neighbourhood are interested,” he said.

A native of Mandamarri village in Mancherial district and son of a vegetable vendor, he moved over to the city to pursue his passion for karate and to earn a livelihood from his chosen discipline.

His hopes for financial support took an upward swing when the Telangana State government showered cash incentives on international athletes.

However, they all have been dashed although his determination to go about his mission has not diminished one bit.

He diligently visits Secretariat and the DGP office for procuring support so that he could continue as a martial art expert and pass on the skills.

“In view of my inability pay the rent, I have been asked to vacate the house where I stay. If proven athletes like us continue to suffer hardships, which parent would allow their children to pursue sports as a career, particularly disciplines like martial arts?” he asks, standing beside scores of trophies that adorn his cupboard.