Triumph of human spirit

THIS week an outstanding sportsman, Sachin Tendulkar, completed a century of centuries in international cricket, a unique and unparalleled feat that made headlines throughout the cricketing world.

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh called Tendulkar’s achievement “a triumph of class, character and courage”. And one that will “continue inspiring the youth”.

But two who are centenarians themselves also made sports headlines for equally unique achievements of their own.

Fauja Singh, the British Sikh who turned 100 last year, earned a spot in the Guinness World Book of Records for becoming the oldest person to complete a full-distance marathon, in recognition of his finishing the full marathon – 26 miles 385 yards – in Toronto in October 2011.

The 5ft 8in Fauja said this week that he’s hopeful of carrying the torch in the relay for the 2012 London Olympics. He had, in fact, carried the torch during the relay for the 2004 Athens Games.

Fauja says he wants to keep running the marathon until his last days – he has run eight since turning 89. Fauja is, indeed, an example to all of us that we too can achieve the “impossible” if we resolve to do so and work at it.

Another centenarian, Manohar Aich from Kolkata (India), who won the Mr Universe international bodybuilding championship in 1952, celebrated his 100th birthday last Sunday.

Aich credits his longevity to a healthy lifestyle in which he minimises stress and focuses on happiness, doesn’t drink or smoke and eats a wholesome diet of milk, fruits and vegetables along with rice, lentils and fish.

Standing just 4ft 11in tall, Aich, who earned the nickname Pocket Hercules, cherishes the respect he has earned both in India and abroad for his bodybuilding achievements and as a bodybuilding trainer having trained many champions over the past several decades.

All these sportsmen have truly demonstrated the indomitable human spirit of achievement, the resolute determination no matter what the odds are, and realising the joy and fulfilment that comes with it.

RUEBEN DUDLEY, Petaling Jaya.