Record Brfeakers

Record Breakers

In the recently concluded World Athletic Championship, only 3 athletes broke the national records viz; Lalita Babar, O P Jaisha and Sudha Singh.  Lalita Babar broke her own record in the 3000 meters steeplechase and O P Jaisha and Sudha Singh broke the record created by O P Jaisha in the Standard Chartered Mumbai marathon held during January 2015. It is not out of point to mention that Jaisha broke 20 year old record on her debut marathon, something unprecedented in the history of athletics  and this was her second marathon only. All of them are highly talented athletes and given the best facilities, nutritional food, excellent environment, finest coaching and adequate international exposure, they can create wonders.

I had an opportunity to meet them at the Sports Authority of India South Centre at Bangalore. They were also very happy and excited to meet their Mamaji. I was moved by their love, care and regards as they themselves prepared tea to serve me. I will be happy to play the role of a mentor, motivator and facilitator to these and other talented athletes at free of cost. I am exploring the possibilities as to how I will be able to help them to enable them to create Olympic history. Earlier I had approached 88 leading organizations and eminent individuals for the sponsorship of O P Jaisha, the poorest among them. It is very sad that they have to purchase costly shoes from their feeble pockets. She showed some sporting shoes purchased from China spending from her own pocket each costing around Rs 8500/=, like an innocent child showing her toys to someone. I felt pity for her plight but also felt proud of her devotion, dedication and love to sports.  In spite of several adversities if they are performing creditably it is due to their dedication, determination and patriotism. They deserve to be worshipped and not merely appreciated. Story of their sorrows, sufferings, sacrifices, trials and tribulations will appear in my FB page shortly.