Joda: Age is just a number for 72 year-old Debraj Samant, a resident of Joda town in Keonjhar district. He has done the state proud by bagging two gold medals in the 100-metre and 400-metre race organized in Jharkhand.
The adage ‘practice makes a man perfect’ holds good for this septuagenarian who has kept himself physically fit by working out regularly.
On his reaching Joda town Wednesday, Debraj was accorded a hero’s welcome by local residents for his outstanding achievement, particularly something impossible at this age.
He said, he runs for 15 km everyday in the town, bet it rain or sun. That apart, he encourages youths to run regularly and keep them physically fit. He also trains them.
He has a 25-member running team that covers 25 km from Baneikala to Ingnaijharan or Bichakundi.
“Thanks to regular running, I don’t feel that I am in the twilight. It has kept me fit and fine. For good health, routine exercise and running is a must,” he observed.
Competitions for people in the age group of 70 to 75 in the 100-metre and 400-metre categories were organised at Keenan stadium at Jamshedpur in Jharkhand Sunday.
He struck gold in both the categories. Interestingly, when he was on the track, a large crowd on the gallery was cheering him, shouting, “Debraj is not at 70.”
In various running competitions in the past, he has won medals. He has bagged more than 100 medals, said a local. Debraj further added that regular running would keep one fit and fine and can boost confidence, no matter what age you are in.
PNN