New Delhi, Jan. 8 -- When Raja Das is not practicing 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 been consistently winning medals at the national level over the years and on Tuesday clinched one of the first two gold medals on offer at the Khelo India Beach Games (KIBG) 2026 at the Ghoghla Beach by beating defending champion and local favourite Prasanna Bendre.

A commerce graduate, Raja was always fascinated with Martial Arts and found his calling in Pencak Silat, a full-body fighti...