*Vimaljit takes Gold Loan to compete
Ranjit Thakur
JAMMU, Aug 23: While medals gleam around his neck, Vimal Jit, a determined and passionate bodybuilder from Jammu, carries a burden far heavier than the weights he lifts – a Rs 1.5 lakh gold loan, taken just to represent India at the 57th Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championship 2025, held in Bangkok, Thailand.
Vimaljit, alongside fellow J&K athlete Vikas Khajuria, made the nation proud on the international stage. Vikas clinched Gold in the Men’s Sports Physique category, while Vimal secured Silver in the highly competitive below 60 kg category. Their outstanding performances brought honour to the country and highlighted the immense sporting potential that exists in Jammu and Kashmir.
However, behind the shining medals lies a story of personal sacrifice, financial distress and a disturbing lack of institutional support. For Vimaljit, this is his third international medal – an extraordinary feat by any standard – yet he continues to struggle for basic financial assistance.
Speaking over the phone from Thailand, Vimaljit said, “What could be more painful for a sportsperson than having to mortgage his gold to represent the country? I had no option but to take a gold loan to pay for my travel, stay and registration. There has been no financial aid from the J&K Sports Council or any Government body, except assurances”
A private gym trainer by profession, Vimaljit trains local youth while striving to keep his own dreams alive. “Despite proving myself at the international level, we are left to fend for ourselves. This continued Government apathy is disheartening and breaks the spirit,” he added.
Rajesh Dutta, General Secretary of the Bodybuilding Association of J&K, lauded both athletes and acknowledged the persistent lack of Government backing. “The Association helps within its means, but we’ve been raising this issue with authorities for years. These athletes deserve structured financial support and recognition,” he said.
Their success is not just a win for India but a reminder that many of our champions are fighting battles far beyond the stage. It’s time those in power support them – not just with applause, but with action.
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