Hyderabad/Raipur: Young runners who once trained barefoot on the remote mountain trails and village paths of Bastar are now preparing to showcase their talent at one of the country’s major urban marathons. Despite limited resources, challenging geographical conditions and a lack of sports facilities, these youngsters have never allowed their determination to weaken.
Now, 184 young runners selected from remote areas such as Bastar, Dantewada, Sukma, Bijapur, Bailadila and Jagdalpur will participate in the NMDC Hyderabad Marathon on August 30. The group includes six women runners. For many of them, this will be their first opportunity to compete at such a major level.
Once Without Shoes, Now Running on a National Stage
The story of these young runners is not merely about participating in a marathon; it is a journey from struggle to opportunity. In the absence of proper running shoes and sports equipment, many of them continued to train barefoot on the difficult hills of Bailadila and rural roads.
Having trained amid steep climbs, rocky paths and limited facilities, these runners will now showcase their determination among thousands of athletes from across the country.
The Bailadila hills have taught them more than just running. They have given them the strength to face difficult circumstances, along with endurance and stamina. These young athletes are now ready to demonstrate their talent with access to modern sports facilities and a major national platform.
NMDC Supports Bastar’s Sporting Talent
NMDC has played a crucial role in this inspiring journey. Recognising the talent of these young runners, the organisation has taken responsibility for helping them participate in the Hyderabad Marathon.
NMDC has not only sponsored their training but has also provided the runners with running shoes, kits and other essential sports equipment. Arrangements have also been made for their accommodation and transportation.
This initiative is significant because remote tribal and rural areas across the country are rich in talent, but young athletes often lack access to the right platforms and resources. NMDC’s support has opened new possibilities for the youth of Bastar.
Intensive Training Underway Since August 17
The young runners have been training continuously since August 17. Different groups, including those practising in the hills around Kirandul and Bacheli, are being trained for the event.
Coach Vivek believes that these youngsters have no shortage of ability. Among runners with varying levels of experience, several promising talents have emerged who could develop into professional athletes in the future.
With continued coaching, improved facilities and opportunities to participate in competitive events, the hills of Bastar could produce runners capable of competing at national and international levels.
Bastar’s Strength Among 32,000 Runners
A total of 32,000 participants will take part in the NMDC Hyderabad Marathon across different categories. The young runners from Bastar will compete in the 5-kilometre, 10-kilometre, half-marathon, or 21.1-kilometre, and full-marathon, or 42.2-kilometre categories.
Most of the 184 runners will participate in the 10-kilometre race, while a smaller group of experienced runners will compete in the 21.1-kilometre and 42.2-kilometre events.
A total prize pool of Rs 45 lakh has been announced for the winners. However, for these young athletes from Bastar, the greatest achievement will not simply be winning a prize, but proving their ability on one of the country’s major sporting platforms.
“This Opportunity Is Bigger Than the Marathon”
Amitabh Mukherjee, Chairman and Managing Director of NMDC, said that the Hyderabad Marathon is not only about organising a race but also about creating opportunities.
He described the journey of young runners from the remote and tribal areas of Bastar as particularly inspiring. These athletes have travelled from training barefoot on village trails to competing on a major national platform.
Marathon Race Director Rajesh Vechcha also described the initiative as highly meaningful. He said it would give the youth of Bastar an opportunity to compete with thousands of runners from across the country, gain valuable experience and recognise their own athletic potential.
More Than a Race, It Is Bastar’s Flight of Dreams
When thousands of runners line up at the starting point in Hyderabad on August 30, 184 young athletes from Bastar will be among them. However, their story will be different from that of many other participants.
Their race may begin in Hyderabad, but their journey began much earlier—on the remote village trails of Bastar, in the hills of Bailadila and, many times, without shoes.
Today, they have running shoes on their feet, opportunity in their hands and big dreams in their eyes.
NMDC’s initiative has proved that when talent from remote areas receives the right platform, training and resources, it can compete with anyone.
The question now is how far the determination forged in the hills of Bastar will carry these runners on the streets of Hyderabad. It is possible that some of these 184 young athletes may go on to become major names in Indian athletics in the years ahead.
The journey from barefoot trails to a national platform is not just the story of 184 runners—it is the story of Bastar’s determination, talent and never-say-die spirit.
