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Indian women have broken several myths that they are mostly attributed with, including that they cannot compete and contribute like their male counterparts. Fighting off these perceptions, they leave no stone unturned to delete the negatives and accentuate the positives. Indian women are epitome of strength, courage and firm determination. A national champion, OP Jaisha is an Indian track and field athlete and the current national marathon record holder.
Born in Kerala, OP Jaisha achieved this feat bettering her own mark of 2:37:29. She clocked a national record of 2:34:43 at the World Championships in Beijing. When Jaisha was only 5, an unfortunate accident had left her father bedridden who was the sole bread earner of the family. OP Jaisha’s mother had to step out and take care of the entire family.
Jaisha had to undergo a troublesome and agonizing childhood. The family even had to skip two courses of meal a day to survive. These hardships had strongly contributed to develop her endurance capacity and build her sports career. OP Jaisha had to cross various hurdles and face countless challenges. A student in a Government School in Kerala, she proved her sheer talent in athletics and brought several laurels and prizes for her school.
She got admitted in the Kerala State Sports Council and started competing in middle and long distance events. A major boost to her career came in 2005 when she entered the Indian national camp. She went on to represent India in the Asian Games as well as in the Commonwealth Games. Being the youngest child of the family, she ensured that her family did not sleep with an empty stomach and walked several miles a day to sell milk. She also used to eat mud to ensure that she doesn’t starve.
Under the guidance of a Belarusian coach, OP Jaisha shifted her focus to longer racing formats like marathons. Jaisha stood 18th in her debut in the Mumbai Marathon in 2015. She even secured a job in the Indian Railways following her stupendous performances. The international running coach of India, Nikolai Snesarev helped Jaisha increase her stamina and build fitness for running marathons. OP Jaisa married a former athlete and coach, Gurmeet Singh who mentors her when she is at home.
Her valuable efforts and dedication towards her sporting career were awarded with a cash prize of Rs.7.5 lakhs by the government of Kerala after she had won a bronze medal in the Asian Games in 2014.She used the prize money to pay the medical expenses of her family and also contribute for the wedding of her sisters. Jaisha is trying and working hard to gain speed and momentum.
OP Jaisha is India’s hidden marathon star. Her numerous struggles have made her what she is today. Not only is she a renowned figure in India but also in the different parts of the world. Her grit and determination have been the binding force for her to achieve several feats. She is an inspiration to various female sportspersons. Jaisha had immense dedication and strong will power that helped her conquer challenges and succeed in life. After her outstanding and stellar performance in the World Championships, OP Jaisha is heading towards Brazil and will raise the Indian tricolour in the Rio Olympics 2016.
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