Asian Games: The Inspiring Journey of Judo Brothers

Judo athletes Vikas Vik and his brother Vishesh Vik are representing Nepal in judo at the Nagoya Asian Games. Vikas competes in the 60kg weight category, while Vishesh competes in the 66kg category. Having two brothers from the same household participating in such a prestigious event as the Asian Games is truly a remarkable occasion. Their journey from the national team to the Asian Games is a unique story of hard work and determination.

Born in Rolpa, after spending time in Kathmandu and India training extensively in judo, the 25-year-old elder brother Vikas and 18-year-old Vishesh share an inspiring tale of rivalry, patience, and mutual support. Vikas initially began his sports journey with karate, taught by his coach and father, Kul Bahadur Vik, in Rolpa. With hopes of advancing his skills, Vikas moved to Kathmandu, but financial difficulties made it challenging to stay and train there.

His father had already moved to India, which led Vikas to consider pursuing his ambitions there. After receiving a scholarship, he started studying and training at the Punjab Institute of Sports in 2018 with a one-year scholarship. Vikas shared, “There was an athlete trial there, and I was selected for judo. The principal also suggested I learn judo, which completely shifted my sporting focus towards judo.”

After a year of training, Vikas became a proficient judoka. When his scholarship ended, his coaches recommended continuing training in Kerala, but Vikas decided to return to Nepal to keep training. Financial challenges made living and training in Kathmandu tough. Vikas recalled, “My father said, ‘Go ahead, expenses are on me.’ Hearing that gave me the courage to return.” The time he spent in Nepal was filled with hardships—friends not supporting him, different treatment, and struggles with winning in competitions were all daunting.

His primary mentor during this period was Manoj KC, who unfortunately passed away unexpectedly. Feeling isolated in Kathmandu, Vikas said, “I felt like quitting sports entirely.” Then COVID-19 struck. To overcome loneliness, he decided to return to India, taking his brother along to learn judo. Training and accommodation were free in Chandigarh, though gathering funds for other expenses remained challenging. Vikas explained, “After investing so long in judo, I decided to make something out of it and couldn’t give up.”

Following three years of improvement, Vikas returned to Nepal to attempt qualification for the 19th Asian Games. In 2022, he reached the Kathmandu bus park for the selection trials held at the Multi-Purpose Venue in New Market via a night bus. Arriving with his bag, he barely had five minutes left for his trial. However, during the weigh-in, he was 100 grams over the limit and was disqualified from the selection. Vikas said, “I pleaded a lot, even cried, but they told me ‘rule is rule’ and did not allow me to compete. I was very saddened then; it was a significant experience for me.”

Nevertheless, Vikas did not give up. He stayed in the dormitory and intensified his training. Meanwhile, the 9th National Games were held in Pokhara, where he won a gold medal. Fortune also favored him as the Asian Games were postponed by a year due to COVID-19. This gave Vikas another chance, and this time he arrived on time and qualified for the Asian Games. Making new history in Hanchao, he won one bout at the Asian Games—the first time in 40 years a Nepalese judoka defeated an opponent at this level.

After the Asian Games, Vikas went back to Chandigarh for further training. At that time, the National Sports Council was preparing for ‘Mission 2026.’ Vikas was invited to join and soon returned to Kathmandu. However, the daily allowance of 300 NPR under ‘Mission 2026’ further strained his everyday life. Despite this, he had already made a strong mark in Nepalese judo. Around then, the Nepal Police encouraged him to continue competing, which added stability to his life.

Two years ago, in 2081 BS, Vikas joined the Nepal Police. This brought stability to his judo career and enabled him to support his brother closely. While Vikas was competing in the Asian Games, Vishesh was currently playing at the school level in India. After both joined the police, Vikas rented a room in Kathmandu and called Vishesh to join him. Together, they strengthened their judo careers, both winning gold medals in national competitions. Vishesh also won gold at the Junior Championship in Bangladesh. The brothers competed together at the Asian Senior Championships, where Vikas won a bout. In ‘Mission 2026,’ Vikas was initially selected in the first phase, followed by Vishesh, and both are working hard. Hopes are high for medals from both brothers.