Delhi duo gear up for World C’ship
Abhinav Jha and Binay Kumar Sah are among seven ultra marathoners selected by the Athletics Federation of India to represent the country in the 100km World Championship in Croatia on September 8.
This is the first time an Indian team will participate in the championship.
The applications from the ultrarunners were invited from all over the country and subsequently the six male and a female — were chosen by the AFI.
Jha, who is serving in the Indian Navy, started his journey of ultramarathons, a year back. From being the winner of Kuching 100km Ultra Marathon in Malaysia to his remarkable performance in La Ultra Marathon, he has managed to participate in runs across the globe and aims to maintain the similar pace in the upcoming World Championship.
Sah, a working professional from Delhi, has participated in more than 48 official races across various categories in India and overseas, winning in the Tuffman Mashobra Ultra 80km, Bhatti Lake Ultra 2016, 6hrs Stadium Run Delhi and finishing arduous marathons like LA Ultra, 111kms and Comrades 90km.
“Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will. So, go for it whatever is in your mind. Running doesn’t only cater to many health benefits but also serves as a way of self- awareness and when we live to inspire, we become more human. I believe in, true sports, we have the power to change our lives. That’s what drives me and adds meaning to my existence,” added Sah.
The sole woman participant, Anjali Saraogi, who runs a medical diagnostic centre in Kolkata, is the fastest woman to have run the Comrades Marathon.
This 42- year old was the winner of the IDBI Federal Kolkata Full Marathon with a timing of 3: 30: 53 seconds in February, 2018.
Sandeep Kumar, a marathon coach, too is part of the World Championship team.
He has won the Saputara Hill
10k, Garhwal Run 80k Ultra Marathon.
Apart from Jha, Sah, Saraogi, Suman Kumar Mishra, Kumar, Vikas Malik and Lallu Lal Meena are the other members of the Croatiabound squad.