Lakhan Hansda, Jharkhand’s lone international cyclist, has taken to paddy farming, abandoning his daily training sessions.

A resident of Damodih in Potka block of East Singhbhum, 30 km from Jamshedpur, Hansda has been running from pillar to post for a job. With no source of income, he has decided to help out his father in their one acre of farmland.

“There was no other option left for me. I became disillusioned as nobody provided me employment. I have applied for a job with the state sports department, but nothing has materialised. It is better to till my land than to sit idle at home,” Hansda told The Telegraph Online.

Hansda led the state Special Olympics team to bag gold in the National Cycling Championship in Ranchi in 2018. He was also one of the mentors of the Indian cycling outfit for the Special Olympics International World Summer Games, held in Abu Dhabi last year.

“I am really frustrated with not finding employment, I used to help out my father in farming, but it was not a permanent occupation. I was busy applying and searching for jobs and was even willing to work as a security guard. But nothing positive happened,” Hansda, who lives with his old parents, wife, daughter and three unemployed brothers, said.

The family lives on the farm produce, where vegetables are also grown. But mostly they survive on maar-bhaat (gruel).

Hansda claimed team bronze medals in the 1500 m team trial at the 34th National Games in Ranchi in 2011. “My two imported racing cycles are under lock and key. I seldom left my village during the lockdown. Now restrictions have been lifted, but I can’t resume training. I need to go farming. I am disappointed, but also feel relieved for doing something for my family,” he added.

The unassuming athlete used to pedal 30 km to Jamshedpur to train mentally-impaired cyclists. Nowadays, Hansda does free-hand exercises at a ground near his home in the evening. “I do exercises and also play football to keep fit. Fitness is needed for farming,” he said, adding that he works from 5.30 in the morning to 12 noon on the farm.

Hansda joined Special Olympics Jharkhand (SOJ) some years ago. He no longer visits Jamshedpur since training of special athletes has been suspended due to the pandemic.

SOJ assistant area director Satbir Singh Sahota said he feels for Hansda. “We inducted him as a mentor to guide our cyclists. Lakhan has been a very talented cyclist but joblessness has disillusioned him. He has no option but to engage himself in farming,” Singh remarked.