Diu, Jan. 7 -- When Raja Das is not practising his Pencak Silat skills, the 33-year-old helps his father supply ice to local blood banks in Kolkata. His father has worked for decades as a street hawker and Raja has been assisting him since childhood while also pursuing his dream of making a name for himself in the sport.

The West Bengal player has consistently won medals at the national level over the years, and on Tuesday, he clinched a gold at the Khelo India Beach Games 2026 at Ghoghla Beach, beating defending champion and local favourite Prasanna Bendre, according to a release.

A commerce graduate, Raja was always fascinated by martial arts and found his calling in pencak silat, a full-body fighting form that incorporates strikes, g...