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Run Sanjay Run
by MALIN GURUNG
| FROM ISSUE # 158 (February 2009) | IN THIS ISSUE | |||
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At around 11, in the chilly morning of 24 January, Sanjay Pandit overcame a challenging feat, one that would require him to push his limits beyond a humane level. Sanjay completed a record 127 km marathon from Lalitpur to Maitripul, Tatopani in just 11 hours and 20 minutes.
"It's exhilarating," says a 20-year-old Sanjay, who is a BBA 5th semester student in Kantipur Valley College." My mom would always ask why do I run so much. Well, this is my answer to her," says Sanjay jokingly.
But it wasn't all fun and games as Sanjay prepared for the big run. He remembers getting frostbite and swelling on his feet during his excruciating training sessions. He even recalls people ridiculing him as he made hundreds of rounds at the Dasarath Rangasala.
From early on, Sanjay knew he was an athletic person, but it all started in the summer of 2006, when South Asian Games gold medallist Rajendra Bhandari returned to Nepal. Rajendra, a two time gold medallist in athletics, returned home to an overwhelmingly enthusiastic crowd and government, which would felicitate him like a national hero. Though Rajendra later tested positive for using performance enhancing substance, the welcome he received was the defining moment in Sanjay's life. Rigorous training routines and a strict, disciplined lifestyle then followed as he prepared himself for the marathon. "One time, I even ran all the way to Banepa without realising it," adds Sanjay.
Sanjay then sought support from various organisations and offices, only to deal with their bureaucracies and inefficiencies. He recalls making rounds to the Nepal Olympic Committee, National Sports Council and the Sports Ministry for their support. But a few promises and consolations were all he got.
"I saw a lot of promise in this young boy," says Jeetendra Man Amatya, who is the co-ordinator of Kantipur Valley College and also of the marathon. "The government, turning him down, would've meant a huge loss for the country. When will the authorities wake up?," says Jeetendra on a serious note.
Despite being very passionate about the sport, Sanjay himself is realistric that making a living out of athletics is not an option in Nepal. That's why he intends to continue his studies and take athletics and academics side by side. But he is quick to add: "Athletics is more than just a hobby. Only disabilities of some sort would be able to take my passion for running out of me."
Now that the marathon is over, Sanjay sees his life changing and for the better. Like all sports person, the Olympics is his final destination. He hopes that he could someday realise his dreams and of all of those who supported him and make the nation proud in the international sports arena. A zealous Sanjay puts it, "This is merely a beginning."