Ashish Yadav’s life changed dramatically after he moved from his village in Uttar Pradesh to Hisar to pursue javelin. In just 15 months, the 19-year-old has become a World U-20 silver medallist and the second Indian after Neeraj Chopra to win silver in the event.However, his family’s financial struggles continue, and he is still searching for a job.Before moving to Hisar in April 2025, Ashish helped his father sell milk in Mirzapur. His father remains the family’s main earner.“My father is a milkman, he sells milk at our village in Mirzapur. My father has six brothers, three soldiers and three farmers. I feel bad when my father sells milk,” Ashish told PTI.“I am searching for job, but not getting yet. I will train well and work hard in Hisar to win medals for the country (to get a job in the process). The financial situation at home is just the same, not improving, since I am not getting any job.”Training under coach Arvind Kumar has transformed his performance. His throw has improved by nearly 20 metres, while better nutrition and strength training have also helped him gain weight from 68kg to 85kg.“When I went to Arvind sir, there are 60m throwers with him, but my aim was to do 70m. In six months with coach Arvind, I increased my distance by 20m. I came without any technique. He taught me technique, worked on my muscles and made me bulkier.”

Inspired by Neeraj Chopra, Ashish targets 80m

Neeraj Chopra congratulated Ashish after his silver-medal performance, but the youngster says he wants to create his own identity rather than be compared with the Olympic champion.“I have not met him. How can I meet him so soon?” said Ashish.“But I don’t want myself to be compared with him, I can’t do that. Instead, I want to work hard. In our village there is nobody who does javelin. I hope people in my village knows the sport and start playing.”A knee injury affected his preparations for the World U-20 event, but Ashish still managed to win silver. He now wants to strengthen his body, improve his technique and cross the 80m mark within the next one or two years.“As I compete in national and international events, I come to know of my weaknesses and deficiencies. I will work hard, try to improve and hopefully cross 80m mark in a year or two. That is my aim.