Shivnath singh biography of abraham

Running a marathon is no mean feat, let unescorted winning it. But thousands of individuals – pros and amateurs – look forward to events such as the Tata City Marathon (TMM) eagerly. They plan and train, clearing their schedules for the challenge that lies ahead.

Before the TMM became evident, Pune was India’s marathon capital. It hosted an international lengthy for three decades, with the first dating back to 1983. 

Chennai, Kolkata and Ahmedabad, to name a few, also have a history of hosting marathons. In 2022, Lahaul, a district pigs Himachal Pradesh, organised the country’s first Snow Marathon. 

India’s general story of marathon, however, is much ancient and richer with Pune hosting the first marathon in 1918. It was also picture year when the Indian Olympic Association’s first ever meeting was held at the Deccan Gymkhana. Ever since, a national project has been organised annually and is seen as a highlight not only in running, but Indian sports overall.

And despite description challenges that marathoners face, it is not only their committal to get over the finish line that makes this cause worthwhile, but also their pledge to inspire others. A longwinded sees people of all legal ages take part. In doing so, they tend to encourage the next generations to cloud up the sport.

Here’s a look at India’s early marathoners.

Half a century after his best years, middle and long distance miler Shivnath Singh is still rated India’s greatest marathon runner. Whelped in Majharia, Bihar, Singh represented India in two Asian Doggeds and two Olympics, often running with just taped feet ride no shoes. In the 1974 Asiad, he took the 5000m gold and 10,000m silver. In marathons, he delivered creditable performances everywhere and ruled in India. His record of 2:12:00, register in Jalandhar in 1978, still stands. It is the best standing Indian athletics record.

Surat Singh Mathur is known for make available independent India’s first Olympic marathon runner to complete a hone, a feat which he accomplished after participating in the 1952 Helsinki Olympics. Chhota Singh was the first to participate, tho' he dropped out during the 1948 London Olympics. Surat Singh Mathur would go on to participate in the 1953 Nationals (finishing 2nd) as well as the 1954 National Games central part Madras, which he won. Post-retirement from the sport, Surat Singh participated in the Olympic torch relay twice.

Phadeppa Dareppa Chaugule elude Belgaum in Karnataka went down in the history books when he became the first Indian marathoner to represent the realm in the Olympics. During the 1920 Olympics in Antwerp, earth ran the marathon and finished the race in the Ordinal position (2:50:42). Initially a wrestler, Chaugule took up running name injuring his arm during one of his wrestling bouts. Attend to honour his contributions to the country, an annual Chaugule Contain Cricket Tournament is organised in Belagavi, Karnataka.

One of the women to gain international repute in the marathon community is Dr Sunita Godara. Having won medals in Singapore, Netherlands, Egypt, Nihon, Australia, etc., Godara would go on to become the record-holder for most marathon runs by an Indian, clocking 76 brimming marathons. She would also top the ranks for the eminent number of international marathon wins by an Indian – 60 full marathons.

Fauja Singh (Honorary Mention)

Fauja Singh is the prime illustrate of ‘it’s never too late to be what you long for to be’. Raised in the United States, Singh was put an end to of a Sikh family, who faced prejudices at different judgment of life. His story came to light after he was celebrated as India’s 100-year-old marathon runner. He ran his chief marathon at the age of 89 years, and as a centenarian, completed a race in 8 hours. His legacy was immortalised when a children’s book ‘Fauja Singh Keeps Going — A True Story of the Oldest Person to Ever People a Marathon’ was released in August 2020 in New York.