‘Miracle’ centenarian woman eyes more athletics medals
of 102, ‘miracle’ woman Man Kaur ran her way to a track and field gold at a world masters meet in Spain earlier this month and in true never-give-up sportsperson spirit is already in training for her next competition.
The centenarian, who also throws a mean javelin, said she is not done yet and is hungry for more competitions and medals. “I want to win more. I feel very happy after winning. The government has not given me anything but it doesn’t matter as I just want to run because running gives me happiness,” Kaur said from Patiala, where she has moved from Chandigarh for her athletics training.
Kaur won gold in 200m in the 100-to-104 age group at the World Masters Athletics Championships in Malaga, Spain, earlier this month. She also picked up a gold in javelin throw there. She was the only competitor in that age bracket but that was mere quibbling for her fan base which raised a toast to the woman who participated in an international meet, running 200m and throwing the javelin at 102.
Not one to rest on her laurels, Kaur has already started training for the World Masters Athletics Indoor Championships in Poland next March where she aims to participate in 60m and 200m races.
Kaur, who took up running at the ripe age of 93 and was dubbed the ‘Miracle from Chandigarh’, shot to fame last year after winning the 100m sprint at the World Masters Games in Auckland, New Zealand. Her mantra for fitness, longevity and positivity is simple. “One should eat well and exercise. Don’t eat junk food and respect your elders,” the great grandmother said when asked about her advice to the younger generation.
Her own diet includes six ‘rotis’ prepared with sprouted wheat, sprouted ‘kala chana’ and barley. Apart from rotis, she also has soya milk, seasonal fruits, juices and ‘kefir’ (fermented milk), which they get from Canada.
Kaur does rue the fact that cricketers get so much attention while sportspersons from other games don’t get their due but said her love for running and participating in competitions keeps her going.
Kaur’s 80-year-old son Gurdev Singh also takes part in international athletic events. His mother gets excited when she gets to know an event is coming up and keeps asking how many days are left for it, he said. “We have already started preparing. She has started her training after coming back,” Singh said.
NEWDELHI:All