Chamba girl strikes gold in Hong Kong
Seema, known as India’s “Golden Girl”, secured a gold medal in the 10,000m race at the 17th Asian Cross-Country Championships in Hong Kong, elevating India’s stature on the Asian sports stage. A native of Reta village in Chamba district, Himachal Pradesh, Seema’s triumph brought immense pride to her country, state, and hometown. She clocked an impressive 37:20 minutes to edge past fellow Indian runner Sanjivani Jadhav, who finished with an identical time, settling for silver.
Seema’s victory is not just a personal achievement but a testament to her relentless dedication and perseverance. Her athletic journey has been marked by more than 15 national and international medals, showcasing her consistent excellence in long-distance running.
Seema’s path to success was paved with challenges. Growing up in poverty, she lost her father at the age of 12, leaving her family dependent on farming and cattle rearing for survival. Despite these hardships, Seema resolved to build a better future for herself and her family. Her early talent in athletics shone through in school competitions, eventually earning her a spot in district and state-level events.
A turning point in Seema’s career came when she was selected for the Sports Authority of India (SAI) hostel, where she received world-class coaching. This support propelled her to national prominence, starting with her gold medal at the Junior National Athletics Championship in Ranchi in 2015. Over the years, she continued to break records, including national records in the 2000m and 3000m races at junior levels.
Seema’s international breakthrough was equally inspiring. Despite financial difficulties, her mother broke a fixed deposit to fund Seema’s participation in the Asian Youth Championship in Bangkok, where she won a bronze medal. This marked the beginning of her rise on the international stage, including silver at the 2018 Youth Asian Olympics Qualifying Games.
Seema’s recent triumph in Hong Kong is yet another milestone in her extraordinary career, serving as an inspiration for young athletes across India and a reminder of the potential for success, even against the toughest odds.
