By Niharika Singh
DEHRADUN, 8 Feb: The 38th National Games, an extraordinary story of perseverance left the nation in awe. Sonia, a young athlete from Uttarakhand, won a bronze medal in the 10,000-meter race—despite not having proper running shoes. Her determination and hard work became a source of inspiration for many.
Sonia had received her sports kit, but due to unavailability, the right-sized shoes (size 3) were missing. Running without the correct footwear posed a significant challenge, yet she pushed through and secured a podium finish.
When this news reached Uttarakhand’s Special Principal Secretary for Sports, Amit Sinha, he immediately took action. Understanding the seriousness of the situation, he assured Sonia of complete support. By evening, he invited her to his office, where he honoured her achievement by gifting her a brand-new pair of professional running shoes.
Beyond just shoes, the Uttarakhand government announced a reward of ₹6 lakh and a secure job for Sonia in recognition of her achievement. Sinha emphasized that supporting athletes like Sonia is essential and that the state will always stand by hardworking players.
This swift and heartfelt gesture by Amit Sinha showcased the government’s commitment to athletes’ welfare. Sonia’s story is a testament to how sheer dedication can overcome adversity and how timely support can change a player’s future.
