A proud Hyderabadi at heart, who hails from the ‘city of victory’, Vijayawada, K Harsha Ratnakar, an international kickboxer speaks passionately about how the city has shaped his life, his aspirations and his determination to inspire future generations of athletes, in this chat with The Pioneer
Tejal Sinha
Hyderabad, celebrated for its rich cultural heritage and technological advancements, is steadily emerging as a hub for sports in India. The city has produced world-class athletes like badminton champions PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal and cricketing legend Mohammed Azharuddin, proving its capability to foster exceptional talent. With state-of-the-art facilities such as the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium and the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Hyderabad provides a strong foundation for sports enthusiasts. However, while mainstream sports like cricket and badminton thrive, niche disciplines such as kickboxing continue to grapple with challenges in gaining recognition and support. Despite these obstacles, the city’s diverse talent pool and growing passion for sports make it a promising contender in India’s sporting landscape.
K Harsha Ratnakar, an international kickboxer and civil service aspirant, exemplifies the grit and determination needed to overcome these challenges. Born in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, Harsha moved to Hyderabad at the age of three and has since called the city his home. “Hyderabad has shaped me in every way possible. My education, my professional journey and even my dreams are deeply rooted in this city,” says Harsha, who has cleared the Group-1 prelims in Telangana and is eagerly awaiting the results of the mains.
Beyond academics, he has made a name for himself in the world of kickboxing, representing India on the international stage. However, his journey has not been without struggles, particularly in fighting for the recognition of his beloved sport in Telangana.
Ratnakar’s love for kickboxing began with a childhood fascination for action movies and WWE matches. “I was mesmerized by Jackie Chan, Bruce Lee and other action stars. Watching them made me want to pursue something similar in real life,” he recalls. Adding to his inspiration was his father, who was a karate player in his youth.
In 2012, he discovered kickboxing through a friend and joined a local academy under coach Suresh Patel. Initially, it was a casual hobby to stay fit and make productive use of his time. However, his dedication soon led him to participate in district-level tournaments. From there, he advanced to state and national levels, making his mark as a skilled athlete.
“My journey took a pause when I decided to focus on preparing for the civil services exams,” he shares. For seven years, Harsha stayed away from the sport but returned with renewed passion in 2020. His comeback wasn’t without challenges; he faced injuries, including a hamstring tear that placed him ninth in a national tournament. Undeterred, Harsha worked tirelessly to recover, eventually winning gold at the state level and earning a silver medal at an international championship.
Despite his achievements, Harsha’s journey has been marked by the lack of recognition for kickboxing in Telangana. “While Hyderabad offers numerous opportunities, niche sports like kickboxing often face neglect,” he observes.
The root of the problem, Harsha explains, lies in outdated policies. “Telangana still follows G.O. 74, a sports government order from 2012. This order, which hasn’t been updated in over a decade, limits sponsorships, job opportunities and other benefits for athletes in unrecognized sports,” he says.
Harsha shares several instances where this lack of recognition cost him dearly. In 2018-19, despite holding a national certificate, he was denied job consideration. Even after winning a silver medal at the international level in 2022, his achievement was not acknowledged by the state. “It’s disheartening to see my efforts go unnoticed, especially when smaller, recognized tournaments are given more weight,” he says.
The lack of recognition also affects athletes’ ability to participate in larger competitions like the Asian and World Championships. “In other countries, athletes who win medals are celebrated by their governments, with presidents and prime ministers congratulating them. Here, we struggle to even get basic support from the sports ministry,” he points out.
However, he remains hopeful. “I’m not fighting just for myself but for the future generation of kickboxers in Telangana. More than 10,000 people actively practice the sport in the state, and around 500-1,000 regularly compete. Reco gnition would open up a world of opportunities for them.”
For Harsha, Hyderabad is much more than just a city; it’s his home and inspiration. “Hyderabad is a melting pot of cultures. From its rich history to its vibrant food scene, it offers something for everyone. It’s a city where people from all walks of life come together,” he shares.
Among the city’s many highlights, Harsha particularly admires its food and the warmth of its people. “The food here is unmatched and the sense of brotherhood among the residents is something I deeply value,” he says. However, he also acknowledges the challenges, particularly the traffic, which can sometimes cause delays.
Despite these minor inconveniences, Harsha believes the city provides a strong foundation for anyone willing to work hard. “Hyderabad gives you opportunities—it’s up to you to make the most of them,” he says. As the senior-most active kickboxer in Telangana, Harsha feels a deep responsibility to uplift the sport. “I started kickboxing in 2012 and I’ve seen it grow over the years. Now, it’s time for the government and society to recognize its potential,” he says.
Harsha is actively working to bring attention to kickboxing, not just for himself but for the thousands of aspiring athletes in the state. “Recognition would mean better funding, more tournaments, and a brighter future for everyone involved,” he emphasises.
For him, Hyderabad will always be the city that shaped him. “This city has treated me well and given me a platform to represent it at state, national, and international levels. I will continue to work hard to make it proud,” he concludes. Meanwhile, he zeal to advocate for the recognition of kickboxing in Telangana to support future generations of players, still continues.
