Veteran athlete Achinto Pramanik has begun training for upcoming national masters athletics events, expected to begin once the Covid-19 situation is under control.
The 68-year-old resident of Gamharia in Seraikela-Kharsawan district runs 20 km daily on the Tata-Kandra road to keep himself fit and agile.
“I felt completely out of shape during the lockdown. Though I exercised daily at home, I missed running. Now I feel fit. Fitness is of paramount importance while participating in competitive events,” said Pramanik. He has won medals for Jharkhand in national masters athletic meets.
“I leave my home at about 5 am and come back after 7 am. I have no issues with my endurance and stamina. After all, I have been running for years. It comes naturally to me,” the septuagenarian added.
“The national masters athletics events will start once the coronavirus-related situation improves in the country. I cannot sit at home. I need to train hard in order to win medals for my state,” Pramanik remarked. He secured the first position in the 65 years and above age category at the fifth edition of the Tata Steel Kolkata 25k run-a-thon in December, 2018. Pramanik finished the race in 2:09:15 seconds to walk home with a medal and Rs 20,000 cash prize.
According to him, the Calcutta win gave him the impetus to compete in more marathons and fulfill his dream of representing the country in world championships. “I have made it to the national masters athletics teams for international competitions on more than one occasion. Yet, each time I had to miss the bus because nobody came forward to sponsor my trip. I am a middle-distance runner but still topped the 25 km run. I think I can win more marathons and in this way fetch prize money to fund my trips to off-shore events,” Pramanik told The Telegraph Online.
He missed a chance to represent India at the World Masters Athletics Championship in Lyon, France held in August 2015. He managed to send an entry to participate in the 2000m steeplechase, but could not afford the trip. He needed Rs 1.5 lakh to go to France.
The Masters Athletics Federation of India doesn't sponsor athletes for international competitions. “I am not that rich to take care of my expenses,” Pramanik, who runs a grocery shop near his home, remarked.
Pramanik has won one gold (200m steeplechase), one silver (800m), and a bronze (1500m) at the national event held in Panjim, Goa in 2015. He also bagged three gold medals (200m steeplechase, 800 m and 1500 m) and a silver medal (4x400 m relay) at the national meet held in Hyderabad in 2017.
