71-Year Old Shanti Devi Is An Athletic State Champion. Read Her Inspiring Story.

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“Mhara nishana ab rashtriye khel hai. Park mein daudne wale mhara mukabala kya karenge main to har roz 10-acre daudu bin ruke. (My next target is the National Games. Those who practice in stadiums cannot compete with me as I cover 10 acres without stopping),” says Shanti Devi. It never seemed that this firm and confident voice belong to one of the oldest women in Bagad Village in Jind District, Haryana.

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It was a matter of joy and excitement for the village residents as they welcomed Shanti Devi, commonly known as Dadi, who came home with three gold medals at a two-day master athletics championship held on 22 November in Panchkula, Chandigarh. She won medals in a 100-meter race, high jump and fast walk.

Next day, her routine was back to normal – preparing fodder for buffaloes, helping daughter-in-laws in household stuff and then working in the field. She is an inspiration for the entire village and her 4 sons, one daughter and 11 grandchildren.

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Unique way of training for the competition

Running after stray animals to protect her crops is her way of preparing for the competitions. Jumping over water channels while watering the field helps her prepare for the high jump. When she first came to know about the competition she was quite interested but due to the embarrassment of performing in front of her children and grandchildren she dropped the idea.

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It was only after her grandson Surajbhan saw her running around her fields, she planned to be part of such competitions. “In January 2014, I saw my grandmother running behind stray animals in the fields and jumping over water channels. I requested her to take part in the athletics meet. Last year, she won two gold and as many bronze medals in the national championship for senior citizens in Rohtak,” said Surajbhan in an interview with The Tribune.

And, this is not the first time Shanti Devi was welcomed with so much pomp. Earlier in March this year, she won two gold medals in long jump competition and 100-metre race, and 1 silver in 200-metre race in an athletics championship competition in Rohtak, Haryana.

What Shanti Devi did clearly shows that there is no age to follow your passion. Keep it up, Dadi. :)

 

News Source: The Tribune & News18

Featured Image: The Tribune



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