That’s a surprise, since it comes from a CRPF constable posted in Jharonda Kalan, a sleepy suburb in the outskirts of Delhi. But he clarifies: “I have a number of Li Dani CDs and so I call him my coach,” he says.

Sadanand was a student of Class VII when his father wanted him to take up some sport to build his physical strength as he was very lean and weak. So much so that he couldn’t even walk the stretch from school to home without panting or gasping for breath. A studious kind, Sadanand started off with football then switched to tae-kwon-do before finally settling with wushu.

After a string of laudable performances in the domestic circuit, Sadanand was selected to represent India in the 7th World Championships in Macau, China, in 2003. Once there, Sadanand became friendly with a number of competitors from the participating countries. Best among them was Liu Yu Chin of Chinese Taipei with whom Sadanand struck a good rapport. “We are constantly in touch via e-mail. And she sends me CDs of latest techniques and whatever new is happening in the sport,” added Sadanand.

Not only that, Chin also sends him quite a lot of books and magazines to study and understand all the nuances of the art. That is why, despite being employed with the CRPF, he doesn’t stay at the camp.

“All sportspersons are supposed to stay in the barracks. But there I can’t keep my computer, books and magazines. Without them what will I learn and how? So I took permission from our manager and started staying outside the campus,” said Sadanand.

Not only Chin, there is Chang Cing also from Chinese Taipei, Myron from Greece and Byron from South Africa who have been lending some help or other from time to time.

“The swords and spears are very costly. And even the dresses. Myron gave a sword once while Byron gave a beautiful pair of shoes,” said the Manipuri who is a second class graduate in Mathematics from the most prestigious DM College in Manipur.

Though good at studies and also at the game, Sadanand too comes from a very poor and humble background in Imphal. When Sadanand was selected for his first international competition in Macau , his father sold five bighas of land to meet his expenses.

Like Bimoljit, Sadanand too has his eyes set on the Beijing Olympics where wushu will be an exhibition sport. And with the new found special status to the sport, Sadanand’s father wouldn’t have to sell his land any more.