Jharkhand athlete Amardeep Kumar has become the centre of attention after a video showed him selling vegetables at a roadside stall in Ranchi.
What caught people’s attention was not just his work, but the gold medals displayed on the wall of his small shop.
Amardeep is a throw-ball player who has represented India at international tournaments and has won four gold medals.
Despite these achievements, the 29-year-old athlete is currently selling vegetables and driving a cab to support his family.
Gold Medals Hanging At A Vegetable Stall
A video from Argora Chowk in Ranchi showed Amardeep sitting at his vegetable stall and serving customers.
He was seen weighing vegetables before handing them over to customers.
Heartbreaking visuals 💔
Ranchi Gold medalist selling vegetables on road 😢
This is Amardeep Kumar from Ranchi, a throwball player who represented India in Malaysia and won gold medal.
Now he is selling vegetables with medals hanging on the wall 💔💔 pic.twitter.com/oKoqpZumjR
— Desi Lord (@DesiLord_) August 31, 2026
The gold medals hanging behind him quickly became the biggest talking point.
The sight raised questions about what happens to sportspersons after their achievements and whether athletes receive enough support to build a stable career.
Who Is Amardeep Kumar?
Amardeep has represented India in several international throw-ball competitions.
His first international gold medal came in 2015, when he won gold at the Asian Junior Throw-ball Championship in Malaysia.
In 2017, he won another gold at the Indo-Nepal Throw-ball Championships in Kathmandu.
He was also part of the Indian team that won gold at the South Asian Throwball Championship in Bengaluru in 2019.
His fourth international gold came in 2026, when India won at the second edition of the South Asian Throwball Championship held in Ranchi.
Why Is Amardeep Selling Vegetables?
Despite his sporting achievements, Amardeep has struggled to secure a government job or receive financial incentives from the state.
Today, he earns a living through multiple sources, including selling vegetables and driving a cab.
His family depends on his income, making these jobs an important part of his livelihood.
Importantly, selling vegetables is not the issue itself. The wider concern raised online is whether athletes who represent the country are given enough opportunities and support after their sporting achievements.
His Government Job And Reward Applications
According to the report, Amardeep had approached the Jharkhand government in 2016 seeking an incentive or reward.
His applications for a cash reward and government employment have reportedly remained pending.
The situation has also drawn comparisons with some of his teammates from states including Chhattisgarh, Haryana and Bihar, who have secured government jobs.
Amardeep Continues To Play Throw-Ball
Despite his financial difficulties, Amardeep has not given up on the sport.
He continues to play throw-ball and is expected to represent India in Sri Lanka in late October 2026.
His journey has therefore become a larger discussion about the challenges faced by athletes after the spotlight moves away from their victories.
Why His Story Sparked A Debate
The viral video led to strong reactions on social media.
Many people described the situation as heartbreaking and questioned whether athletes receive sufficient institutional support.
Others pointed out that there is nothing wrong with earning an honest living through selling vegetables or driving a cab.
The concern, they argued, is that an athlete who has won international medals for India should also have a clear pathway to continue his career or receive support based on his achievements.
Hemant Soren Takes Note Of The Matter
After Amardeep’s story went viral, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren took note of the matter.
Soren posted about the issue on X and directed the sports department to take immediate cognisance of Amardeep’s case and initiate action.
The development came after widespread online discussion about the athlete’s situation.
A Larger Question For Indian Sports
Amardeep Kumar’s story has once again brought attention to what happens to athletes after major sporting achievements.
Winning medals can bring recognition, but athletes may also need financial stability, employment opportunities, training facilities and continued institutional support.
For Amardeep, the next chapter could now depend on the action taken after his story received widespread attention.
Conclusion
Amardeep Kumar’s journey from winning four international gold medals for India to selling vegetables and driving a cab has touched many people online.
His story is not about looking down on honest work. Instead, it has raised questions about the support available to athletes after they bring medals and recognition to the country.
With Hemant Soren directing the sports department to take cognisance of the matter, attention is now on what action follows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Amardeep Kumar?
Amardeep Kumar is a Jharkhand-based throw-ball player who has represented India internationally and won four gold medals.
How many gold medals has Amardeep Kumar won?
He has won four gold medals in international throw-ball competitions.
Why is Amardeep Kumar selling vegetables?
According to the report, Amardeep sells vegetables and drives a cab to earn a livelihood and support his family.
When did Amardeep win his first international gold?
He won his first international gold at the Asian Junior Throw-ball Championship in Malaysia in 2015.
Did Hemant Soren respond to Amardeep Kumar’s story?
Yes. After the story went viral, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren took note of the matter and directed the sports department to take immediate cognisance and initiate action.
Will Amardeep continue playing throw-ball?
Yes. Despite his financial challenges, he continues to play and is expected to represent India in Sri Lanka in late October 2026.