New Delhi, 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 waste. Patil's career is a classic example of how sport can transform lives.

Born in a small farming family, Patil's sporting journey began during his school days when he appeared in district tug-of-war trials. Selection meant his school would waive off his Rs.1,200 annual tuition fee. Patil was successful and that was a turning point in the life.

"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 assistant coach of the Maharashtra team at the Khelo ...