Disappointing! Paralympic Indian swimmer forced to wash cars for living

New Delhi: Paralympic India swimmer Bharat Kumar who had won gold medals on international levels is forced to wash cars to sustain his livelihood.

Bharat does not have a left arm since his birth and despite that he has won gold medals at the 2005 Junior National Level athletics, 2009 World Games and silver at the 2006 Junior World Athletics in Ireland. Apart from this, he has also participated in 2010 Commonwealth Games and Asian Games held in China.

According to an exclusive report in the DNA, Bharat Kumar who hails from Haryana, could not afford the diet which is essential for an athlete. As a result he had to sit down with beggars near a temple to have his food.

"I didn't have enough money for a good diet. So I had to sit with beggars near the Sai temple to have my food. That was my diet,” said Bharat to DNA.

He also went on to add that despite winning so many medals he still has to wash cars for a living.

"I started athletics with a lot of struggle and did reach a good way, but time has not always been with me. I am from a very poor family. Despite earning so many medals for our country, I still have to wash cars to earn a living."

Bharat wants support as he promises to bring medals in the 2017 Asian games. He has asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for help.

"I don't have an arm and I don't need one. All I need is some support. I promise to bring medals in 2017 Asian Games provided I get the desired support. I have approached many celebrities for support but all in vain. But this time, I have written to Modiji for help and hope he does." he added.

Bharat is one of the six siblings in his family. He is the son of labourer who works as a soil digger.

Earlier a foot injury in 2010 Commonwealth Games, had forced him to pull out of athletics. That changed his focus into swimming and he finally became a national level swimmer in 2011. He has won about 50 medals in swimming since then.