How Did Ayush Inspire Bihar to Silver in Sepak Takraw After His Grandfather’s Death?

Patna, May 7 (NationPress) It was a day filled with conflicting emotions for Ayush Kumar, who displayed incredible resilience as part of the Bihar team, which solidified its growing reputation in Sepak Takraw by securing the men’s team silver after narrowly losing 1-2 to the dominant Manipur in a thrilling final at the Khelo India Youth Games 2025.

The girls' team from Manipur maintained their supremacy, joining their male counterparts at the top of the podium after defeating Kerala 2-0 in the championship match.

The final matches of the Sepak Takraw event, which made its debut at the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 in Bihar, were held in front of an enthusiastic crowd, highlighting the state’s increasing enthusiasm for the sport, now recognized as one of its 14 priority disciplines.

Ayush, who was part of the third Regu in the team competition, participated despite enduring a personal tragedy earlier that day—the death of his 78-year-old grandfather. Demonstrating remarkable strength in the face of adversity, he resolved to compete until the very end.

On the sidelines, his 19-year-old sister Khusbu, a Sepak Takraw player, struggled to hide her sorrow while cheering for her younger brother. With tears in her eyes and a phone in hand to monitor the rituals at home, she managed to remain strong, often stepping aside to grieve in private, ensuring Ayush stayed focused on the match.

“He (grandfather) had been unwell for a while and was hospitalized recently. We were hopeful for his recovery, but he passed away today. He was deeply cherished by both of us, and today marks a significant milestone in Ayush’s career,” Khusbu shared.

Originating from a family of modest means, with their father being an auto-driver, Ayush and his sister have been engaged in the sport for only four years. They aspire for the KIYG medal to not only motivate Ayush but also inspire other young athletes to pursue Sepak Takraw professionally.

Despite personal hardships, the 14-year-old Ayush Kumar successfully managed his emotions on the court, as the Bihar team exhibited impressive performances throughout, ultimately finishing in a commendable second place.

The men’s final unfolded as an exhilarating contest, with the momentum shifting until the last set of the third Regu. After Manipur took the first Regu with ease, Bihar rallied back to win the second, pushing the battle to a decisive third. However, Manipur rebounded from a 1-0 deficit in the final Regu, clinching the next two sets to secure victory.

In stark contrast, the women’s final was a one-sided affair, showcasing Manipur's dominance throughout the match. Earlier, the Manipur team advanced to the final after defeating Andhra Pradesh 2-0 in the first semifinal, while Kerala overcame Haryana by the same margin to reach the gold medal match.

Results:

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