This was the first international medal for Ramesh, who comes from a economically weaker family of Sialijoda village, under Deojhar Gram Panchyat in Joda Block of Keonjhar district. Son of Rupa Munda, Ramesh owes his success to coach and mentor Pankaj Mahanta, a well-known martial art instructor.

Mahanta took Ramesh under his wings when the boy was in primary school. He not only trained him at DMF Wushu Stadium in Barbil, but also arranged sponsorship for his academic studies and wushu training from Indian steel company, Jindal Steel & Power Limited.

Now a Class-X student of Barbil Municipal High School, Ramesh won medals in State championships before making his National debut. He was selected for the Asian Junior Championship after winning silver medal at the Sub-junior National Championship last year in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu.

Meanwhile, Ramesh has joined the newly set up Jindal Sports Hostel in Barbil last month. He is expected to return home from Macau in a couple of days.
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TOP: Ramesh Munda poses with the gold medal at the Asian Junior Wushu Championship in Macau on 19 August 2023.
RIGHT: Ramesh Munda with coach and support staff of Indian team in Macau on 19 August 2023.