Ram Baboo, aged 24, alongside Manju Rani, clinched the bronze medal in the 35 km race walk mixed doubles event at the Asian Games 2023. Amid widespread acclaim, even from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Ram’s awe-inspiring tale has come to the forefront following his stellar performance at the Asian Games.

In 2022, he set the national record at 2:36:34 seconds on the IIT Gandhinagar athletic track in Gujarat. However, Ram faced arduous challenges on his path to becoming a long-distance runner. Born in Bahura village, Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh (UP), he ventured to Benaras to chase his dream. To support his training, lodging, and nutrition, he took up a waiter’s job in a local eatery. His daily routine required early morning training from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m., followed by long hours at work.

In an interview with Sportstar, he disclosed his demanding work schedule, which often extended late into the night and throughout weekends, leading to frequent injuries. Despite limited funds for dietary needs, he conquered these obstacles, triumphing at the National Championships in the 35 km race walk in 2:31:36 hours in Ranchi in February 2023. His track record has seen significant improvement, clocking the same distance in 2:46:31 hours at Stadium Hanamkonda, Warangal, in September 2021.

In October 2022, he improved his record to 2:36:34 hours in Gujarat. In March 2023, he completed the race in 2:29:56 in Dudince, a remarkable six minutes and 38 seconds faster. His father, a manual laborer, only gained access to electricity two years ago. Despite the numerous challenges he faced, Ram’s mother consistently motivated him to establish his identity.

With the Prime Minister’s commendation, both Ram Baboo and his mother now have plenty of reasons to smile.

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