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Key Points

Fourteen-year-old Ayush Kumar displayed extraordinary resilience by competing in the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 just hours after his grandfather's passing. His Bihar team narrowly lost to Manipur in a gripping Sepak Takraw final, securing a remarkable silver medal. Despite personal grief, Ayush remained focused, inspired by his sister Khusbu's support. The event marked Sepak Takraw's debut in the games, highlighting the growing popularity of the sport in India.

Key Points: Ayush Kumar's Grit Wins Bihar Sepak Takraw Silver at KIYG 2025

  • Young athlete competes hours after grandfather's death
  • Bihar narrowly loses to Manipur in thrilling final
  • Sepak Takraw makes debut at KIYG 2025
  • Family supports athlete through emotional challenge
3 min read

KIYG 2025: Hours after grand father's death, Ayush displays grit to inspire Bihar to historic Sepak Takraw silver

Teen athlete Ayush Kumar overcomes personal tragedy to help Bihar secure historic silver medal in Sepak Takraw at Khelo India Youth Games

"He was really close to both of us and today is probably the biggest day in Ayush's career so far - Khusbu Kumar (Sister)"

Patna, May 7

It was a day of mixed emotions for Ayush Kumar, who showcased remarkable grit and determination as part of the Bihar team that underlined its rising stature in Sepak Takraw by clinching the men’s team silver after going down 1-2 to powerhouse Manipur in a tantalising final of the Khelo India Youth Games 2025.

Manipur girls ensured their dominance continued as they joined their State-mates on top of the podium after beating Kerala 2-0 in the summit clash.

The final matches of the Sepak Takraw event, making its debut in the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 Bihar, were played in front of a packed crowd, reflecting the State’s growing passion for the sport, which is now among its 14 priority disciplines.

Ayush, a member of the third Regu in the team competition, competed despite suffering a personal loss earlier in the day with the passing of his 78-year-old grandfather. Standing firm in the face of adversity, he chose to continue until the very end of the competition.

On the sidelines, his 19-year-old sister Khusbu, a Sepak Takraw player herself, tried to contain her grief while cheering for her younger brother. With teary eyes and a phone in hand to stay updated on the rituals back home, she managed to stay strong, often stepping aside to cry in private, just to ensure Ayush remained focused on the game.

“He (grandfather) was unwell for some time, was in the hospital for the last few days. We were expecting him to get better, but he passed away today. He was really close to both of us and today is probably the biggest day in Ayush’s career so far,” said Khusbu.

Born to an auto-driver from the city, Ayush and his sister started their journey in the sport only four years back but hope that the KIYG medal will not only inspire him but other budding athletes to take up Sepak Takraw as a career.

Despite the personal setback, the 14-year-old Ayush Kumar managed to keep his emotions under check on the court, as the Bihar team came up with impressive performances throughout, to eventually finish a close second.

The men’s final witnessed a tantalising contest with the pendulum swinging till the final set of the third Regu. After Manipur comfortably took the first Regu, Bihar bounced back in style to win the second and take the contest to the decider. In the final Regu, Manipur came back from a 1-0 deficit to take the next two sets and eventually the top spot on the podium.

In contrast, the women’s final witnessed a one-sided contest with Manipur girls dominating the court throughout. Earlier, Manipur sailed into the final after getting the better of Andhra Pradesh 2-0 in the first semifinal while Kerala defeated Haryana by a similar margin to advance to the gold medal contest.

Results:

Men’s team final: Manipur beat Bihar 2-1 (8-15, 15-8, 15-9) (11-15, 12-15, 15-11) (8-15, 8-15). Bronze medals: Andhra Pradesh and Delhi.

Women’s team final: Manipur beat Kerala 2-0 (15-4, 15-7) 15-7, 15-9); Bronze medals: Nagaland and Delhi.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
What incredible mental strength from young Ayush! To perform at such a high level while grieving shows true champion material. Bihar should be proud of such athletes who put state honor first. Hope this silver inspires more kids to take up Sepak Takraw seriously. 🙏
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Priya M.
Manipur continues to dominate this sport like no other state! But hats off to Bihar for giving them such tough competition. The article doesn't mention - is Sepak Takraw getting enough funding? We need proper infrastructure to challenge Manipur's supremacy.
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Amit S.
Heartbreaking yet inspiring story. The sacrifices these young athletes make! Auto-driver's son becoming national medalist - this is what Khelo India should be about. But we need more coverage for such sports beyond cricket. When will Doordarshan broadcast Sepak Takraw?
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Sunita R.
The sister's support deserves equal praise! Holding back tears to help her brother focus - such family bonds make Indian athletes special. Hope both siblings get good jobs through sports quota after such achievements. Government should ensure their future isn't just dependent on medals.
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Vikram J.
While the story is emotional, we must ask - why only NE states excel in Sepak Takraw? Other states need to develop this sport properly. KIYG is good but need regular national circuits with proper prize money. Also, when will we see India compete at Asian Games level in this sport?
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Neha P.
Such a proud moment for Bihar sports! 🎉 From almost no presence to silver medal in 4 years shows what proper coaching can do. But article mentions it's a 'priority sport' - hope this means more academies and not just empty promises. Youngsters need sustained support, not just occasional games.

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