‘Fulfilled a Promise Made to Mom’: Ram Baboo’s Journey From Labourer to Asian Games Medallist

“I will make a name for myself” was the promise that Ram Baboo made to his mother when he was a young boy.

Not only did he make his mother proud, he made his entire country proud by winning the bronze medal at the Asian Games 2023. He won the medal for a 35 km race-walk mixed team event with Manju Rani. 

Born and raised in Uttar Pradesh, Ram always wanted to do something to bring his family out of crushing poverty. As a way of doing so, he decided to take up sports. After suffering from a knee injury, he switched from running to race walking. 

While practising, Ram would work odd jobs like digging ditches and laying roads. He would make a meagre sum of Rs 300 per day. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Better India (@thebetterindia)

During the COVID-19 lockdown, Ram had to work as a daily wage labourer under the central government’s MGNREGA scheme to make ends meet.

In an interview with ANI, he said, “I come from a very rural India and have seen a lot of tough days. My mother dreamt of giving me a better life than what they have led. Winning this medal gives me immense satisfaction and I am overjoyed to have made my parents and village proud.” 

(Edited by Padmashree Pande)

Found Value in This Story?Pay What You Can to Support Impactful Journalism

If you found our stories insightful, informative, or even just enjoyable, we invite you to consider making a voluntary payment to support the work we do at The Better India. Your contribution helps us continue producing quality content that educates, inspires, and drives positive change.

Choose one of the payment options below for your contribution-

₹201 ₹501 ₹1001

By paying for the stories you value, you directly contribute to sustaining our efforts focused on making a difference in the world. Together, let’s ensure that impactful stories continue to be told and shared, enriching lives and communities alike.

Thank you for your support. Here are some frequently asked questions you might find helpful to know why you are contributing?