From parental neglect to the stage: Shivam Das’s grit-fuelled rise through karate

Abandoned by those who should have been his strongest support, a young man from Assam has turned pain into power and hardship into hope. Shivam Das, who was forced to leave his home due to negligence by his own parents, has scripted an inspiring story of resilience by carving a place for himself on the state karate competition.

With no home to call his own and surviving on daily wage labour, Shivam’s life has been a relentless struggle. Yet, amid uncertainty and rejection, he found strength in karate—a discipline that became both his refuge and his weapon against despair.

Recently, Shivam’s determination bore fruit when he clinched a bronze medal in the Under-21 Kumite category at the Zonal Karate Championship 2025, organised by the All Assam Karate Association in Guwahati. The achievement is remarkable not just for the medal, but for the journey behind it.

Nearly five years ago, Shivam was compelled to leave his parental home in Dhekiajuli, after enduring neglect that shattered his sense of belonging. Alone and vulnerable, he moved to Kaliabor in search of survival and purpose. There, he joined the Brothers Fight Club, taking his first steps into the world of karate.

Life, however, did not become easier. Shivam worked as a daily labourer, assisting masons, to earn enough to survive. He stayed in others’ homes, and even after finding shelter at a local resident’s house in Kaliabor for a long time, he was eventually asked to leave again—another painful reminder of his fragile existence.

Undeterred, Shivam continued his training while staying at a friend’s house, refusing to let homelessness defeat his dreams. During the day, he toiled at construction sites; in the evenings, he trained in karate—often exhausted but never defeated. Recognising his dedication, Trishul Bhuyan, instructor at Brothers Fight Club, provided him free karate training, becoming a pillar of support in Shivam’s darkest days.

Today, Shivam Das stands not just as a medal winner, but as a symbol of what perseverance can achieve even in the absence of parental care. His success has filled his coach and well-wishers with pride, and his story now resonates as a powerful reminder that while parents may abandon their responsibility, courage and determination can still shape a champion.

From rejection at home to recognition on the mat, Shivam’s journey is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to rise—no matter how heavy the burden.

Also Read: MP High Court Fixes January 6 Hearing on Bhagirathpura Contaminated Water Crisis After Govt Files Status Report