Diu, Jan. 13 -- Kolhapur's Akshay Patil has spent nearly two decades muscling his way through adversity and sweating it out in the tug-of-war arena. His efforts did not go to waste. Patil's career is a classic example of how sport can transform lives.

Born into a small farming family, Patil's sporting journey began in his school days, when he competed in district tug-of-war trials. Selection meant his school would waive his Rs 1,200 annual tuition fee, according to a KIBG 2026 release. Patil was successful, marking a turning point in the life of the well-built young man.

"I am associated with tug-of-war since my fifth standard. When the school waived off my tuition fees, it was a big relief to my family," said 29-year-old Patil, the ass...