Ajmal Bhojul, a 30-year-old officer with the Special Mobile Force (SMF) of Mauritius, has won the world championship in jiu-jitsu in Japan. He won four medals, including gold in the No-Gi Open Weight Brown Belt category. To fund his trip, Bhojul had to sell his family car, a Toyota Premio 2016, which he used to pay for his flight, accommodation, and competition fees. This sacrifice was necessary due to the lack of institutional support for his training.
Bhojul's journey in jiu-jitsu began at the age of 15 when he met his trainer, Tawfiq Jaunbocus, who became a mentor and a father figure to him. Since then, he has dedicated himself to the sport, training hard and competing in numerous national and international competitions. Despite his passion and dedication, Bhojul faced financial difficulties, which made it challenging for him to pursue his dreams. He often had to rely on public transportation, walk, or ride his bicycle to get to training sessions.
The cost of high-level competition is substantial, and Bhojul had to bear the expenses himself. He estimates that his monthly expenses for training and nutrition are around Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000. When competing abroad, the costs are even higher, with a single trip costing around Rs 150,000. Bhojul did not receive any financial support from the authorities, which forced him to make difficult choices, including selling his car.
Bhojul's family has been supportive of his passion for jiu-jitsu, but they have also been affected by his sacrifices. His wife, Bibi Mariam, and their two children, aged 3 and 2, have had to adjust to a new routine without the family car. Bhojul now relies on public transportation, borrows cars from friends and family, or uses his wife's car to get around. This has added to the stress of his daily life, but he remains committed to his sport.
Despite the challenges, Bhojul's achievement is a testament to his perseverance and dedication. His victory in Japan is the culmination of 15 years of hard work and sacrifice. Bhojul's story highlights the difficulties faced by athletes in Mauritius who have to rely on their own resources to compete at the international level. His achievement has brought pride to his family and his country.
Bhojul's faith and family are essential to him, and he balances his passion for sports with his spiritual life. This year, he completed the Hajj pilgrimage with his wife, which he considers a blessing. Bhojul is also committed to giving back to his community and is involved in social activities in his region.
Bhojul's achievement serves as an inspiration to young athletes in Mauritius who face similar challenges. His story shows that with determination and hard work, it is possible to overcome obstacles and achieve success. As he looks to the future, Bhojul hopes to continue competing and inspiring others with his passion for jiu-jitsu.
Key points
- Ajmal Bhojul, a Mauritian jiu-jitsu athlete, won the world championship in Japan after selling his family car to fund his trip.
- Bhojul had to rely on his own resources to compete at the international level due to lack of institutional support.
- His achievement highlights the difficulties faced by athletes in Mauritius and serves as an inspiration to young athletes.
