A woman athlete from a small village, Baila near Pandoh in Mandi district, has not only brought laurels for Himachal Pradesh but has also created a history by winning a gold medal in 200 meters race in 29th National Senior Federation Athletic Championship, organized at Ranchi from May 22 to 25.
Kusum Thakur (23) won the 200 meters race, competing against many national level players, gave her best performance by clocking 23.94 seconds, creating a history by bringing a first national gold medal in the short sprint event.
This achievement is most remarkable as she had developed a serious respiratory problem during COVID- 19 and was advised by medical specialists to stop running, but showing great resilience and determination; she returned to the track after a gap and has now won the gold medal.
Kusam Thakur had started running with her elder brother at the young age of four and has now attained the glory at the national level.
