Uttar Pradesh is full of potential, especially in the uncharted villages, says Sudha Singh
Asian Games Gold medal winner Sudha Singh believes that her home state of Uttar Pradesh, especially in the uncharted villages, is a gold mine for talented sportspersons. The 3000m steeplechase athlete and Arjuna awardee hails from Raebareli and is also the captain of the state athletics team.Â
When someone from an unknown part of the world steps onto the world stage and puts on a show, it is truly an awe-inspiring moment. The same is the story of Sudha, who hails from the biggest state in the country and has brought much pride to the nation with her 2 golds and 4 silver medals at the continental level – Asian Games and Championships.Â
"I think Uttar Pradesh is a state full of potential and talent, especially the small uncharted districts and villages. But talent can also help you reach to some extent only, you need facilities to back that hard work and skill set. Had it not been for all the support I received, I wouldn’t have won any medals. Although initially there wasn’t much support given to sportspeople since the last decade athletes have been receiving facilities and support money that was unavailable 10 years back," Sudha said, reported TOI.
Also a national record holder in athletics, she has spent much of her time in Lucknow – where the 59th National Inter-State Athletics Championships was held – during her training days at the KD Singh Babu Stadium.Â
"My journey initiated from here and I’d like to attribute my initial success also to Lucknow. I spent my youth in the hostels here and I have many friends in the city along with family. I have some beautiful memories of Lucknow and my visits to Bhool Bhulaiya with friends," Sudha said.
Now an inspiration for budding athletes, she had a lot to say about upcoming talent and India’s chances of winning medals in the next Olympics.Â
"Every athlete trains very hard to win. I, myself put hours of practice each day. Hamare liye ek-ek din bhi bahut important hai training ka. If we miss out on one day’s training, it equals one week’s loss. There’s no athlete who doesn’t dream of winning a medal at the Olympics. In 2020 Olympics also, I hope India wins many medals, I’m keeping my fingers crossed," Sudha added.
