Overcoming Obstacles

Ram Babu, a 25-year-old athlete hailing from Behura village near Sonbhadra in Uttar Pradesh, stands as a testament to the untapped sports talent dwelling in the rural corners of our country. His historic bronze win alongside Manju Rani in the newly introduced j E 35-kilometer mixed relay at the Asian Games Ba is NEN dierent era | illuminates the potential hidden in our hinterlands i vf i f

- MILIND DHAMDHERE

From his early years, Ram Babu displayed an innate fondness for sports, particularly Athletics. His journey to athletic prowess stemmed from humble beginnings. Tasked with fetching water for his family, he’d traverse a two-kilometre stretch, often sprinting in his errand. This routine inadvertently nurtured his love for running, inspired by the tales of sporting legends portrayed in movies.

The Grit Amidst Hardships

Limited resources and financial constraints cast shadows on Ram Babu’s athletic aspirations. His father, a manual labourer earning a meagre income of rupees 3500 per month to support a family of six, compelled Ram to seek employment. Despite joining a hotel for sustenance, the toil was far from light. Late-night dishwashing duties and early morning training sessions pushed the boundaries of his endurance. His determination led him to take up odd jobs, from stitching bags to working in a courier company, all while nurturing his passion for marathon running.

Resilience Amidst Adversity