Asad Shah, a 16-year-old from Malvani's slum settlement, defied all odds to clinch the gold medal at the under-17 national boxing championship. Representing Maharashtra, Shah triumphed over Delhi’s Mukul Labela in the finals held on December 15, emerging victorious among over 400 participants. The tournament was organized by the School Games Federation of India in Delhi.

Despite lacking access to professional training, equipment, or financial resources, Shah’s determination and community support propelled him to success. Introduced to boxing by his school and neighborhood friends, Shah’s talent was recognized early by Krishna Soni, the physical training instructor at Ideal English School, Malad. Soni dedicated five years to training Shah at a Kandivali gym without charging a fee, even providing him with a basic boxing kit when his family couldn’t afford one.

Shah’s parents, his mother a homemaker and his father a helper at a corporate firm, struggled to support his daily commute from Malvani to Kandivali. “I, along with 12 friends, walked 5 km every day for training because of our passion for boxing,” Shah shared. His coach often covered entry fees for tournaments, while friends pitched in when needed.

Currently a first-year student at KES Junior College, Kandivali, Shah has been training at the Indian Institute of Sports (IIS) in Bengaluru for the past two years, preparing for national competitions. He balances his studies and training by traveling to Mumbai for exams and classes every two months.

“My school and college have been very supportive of my journey. I want to make the country proud and fulfill everyone’s dreams,” Shah said, expressing gratitude to his coach, friends, and family for their unwavering support.