Bhubaneswar, Oct. 24: Manmath Barik has travelled across the country to compete in taekwondo competitions, winning medals and bringing laurels to the state. He has also refereed matches in several taekwondo championships.

But those days in the limelight are a distant memory now. Financial constraints have forced him to set up a barbershop in Puri.

The 29-year-old began training in taekwondo in 1998 amid opposition from his family.

"I used to travel to Cuttack every day as there were no facilities to learn the martial art form in Puri. My family was not financially able to bear the expenses of my training. But, I was adamant because I was gripped by a passion for martial art," Manmath said.

His love for takewondo grew and he took part in a number of championships, where he won several medals, too.

However, despite the laurels that he won, sponsorships and financial backing did not come his way. As with most sportspersons who devote themselves to sports apart from cricket, financial hardships never left him. It finally took its toll three years ago when the constraints became a major setback.

"I was not earning anything. A few of my acquaintances supported me, which allowed me to take part in tournaments. But, my family was suffering and I had to let go of my dreams," he said.

To stabilise his finances, Manmath set up a small barbershop in his hometown. "I did have any formal training. I used to sit at my relative's salon and observed his methods. Gradually, I picked up the tricks and opened my own shop," he said.

He was selected for a six-month sports coaching certificate course at SAI. But, he could not take it up because of the lack of monetary support.

"If I had taken the course, my career would have got a kick. But, the course costs around Rs 15,000 and I do not have that much," he added.

He has also refereed a number of state and district-level matches and one national-level match. "Refereeing is not a lucrative affair. We hardly get Rs 200-300 as remuneration. But, I like doing it because it keeps me connected to the game," he said.

Manmath also runs a taekwondo academy at a school in Puri. Despite struggling with financial problems, he trains a number of young taekwondo enthusiasts for free. "Many children come to me for training. They mostly belong to poor households, and having gone through a similar situation, I know how it feels," he said.

A number of his students have won medals at championships across the country.

Manmath feels the state's taekwondo association should make efforts to promote players from the grassroots level. "There are a number of players in the state but they are not promoted. More training centres and a proper roadmap to select players from every part of the state are required."