Running in Torn Spikes

Resources can be borrowed or bought, but the belief to keep running has to be built from within.

Gurvindervir Singh, a 25-year-old sprinter from Patial village near Bhogpur in Punjab, won bronze in the 100 metres at the Asian Games in Nagoya. For two to three years, he trained in torn spike shoes because his family could not afford new ones. He was told Indians were not suited to the 100 metres, and even his father suggested he change events. He did not. He went on to become the first Indian to run under 10.10 seconds, clocking 10.09 at the Federation Cup in Ranchi. After he shared his struggles on social media, support came from people around the world.

Asked why he never changed his event, he said, "My coaches never told me that it was not possible, then why should I change my event?" The Mahabharata gives us Ekalavya, a young archer turned away from Drona's school, who practised alone before a clay image of the teacher and mastered the art with almost nothing. His story ended unjustly, with his thumb demanded as an offering. Gurvinder's story carries a gentler ending: coaches who believed in him, and a country that finally noticed.

We often postpone our efforts until the right equipment, circumstance or approval arrives, and in waiting we lose years. Today, begin one worthwhile task with exactly what you have, and trust the effort to attract the help it needs.