Rising from Delhi's slums, this rickshaw-puller's son has set new record in running

Nisar Ahmed is a 15-year-old boy from Delhi whose father works as a rickshaw-puller, while his mother is a domestic help. But his family situation did not deter him from dreaming and his dream was to be an accomplished sprinter. With hard work and determination as his aides, he has already started making history by rewriting two national records.

Nisar, his elder sister and their parents live in a 10×10 foot room in Bada Bagh slum, Azadpur. A few years ago, the physical education teacher in his school saw him running exceptionally well even without running shoes. That is when the teacher realized he had a 'natural talent' and took him to an inter-zonal event.

Nisar won without having to try hard and then the coach started training him. Nisar's schedule every day is very hectic, since he has to handle both school and training. Adding to that, his parents cannot afford to buy him all the nutritious food he requires. Despite all that, he has broken the U-16 national record not just once but twice. Talking about her son in an interview with The Indian Express, Shafikunisha said,

“I cannot tell you how much joy it brings me to hear about my son’s achievements. We have always backed him and will continue to do so irrespective of our condition. What really hurts me is the fact that I can’t help my son maintain a healthy diet. At best, we can afford to buy some meat once a week for him. If I had the money, I would get him the nuts and fruits he requires to stay fit.”

Nisar's parent haven't seen their son running so far because that would mean not working for one day, something they can't afford. With the hard work and sincerity that Nisar puts in, there is no doubt that he will achieve great heights and make his parents proud. But what matters to him more than that is to do all that he can so that his mother doesn't have to toil as a domestic help.

"India does not have a sports culture. Unless there is a synergised sports culture you will never win a string of medals. A fundamental overhaul is needed, and urgently so," Boria Majumadar, a sports scholar told CNBC in an interview.

With world's second largest population, India still hasn't won a gold for sprinting in Olympics. To do that, to bring in a 'synergised sports culture', it is important that we start supporting and encouraging young talent like Nisar.

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