Despite their age, lack of support, and personal financial burden, two athletes from Una prove that determination knows no expiry date.
At an age when most people are content with retirement and rest, 70-year-old Om Prakash Sharma and 65-year-old Ajit Singh from Himachal Pradesh’s Una district are still chasing — and winning — medals for India on the world stage.
The two senior athletes recently returned from the World Masters Athletics Games held in New Taipei City, China, carrying with them not just four silver medals, but a powerful message of passion, perseverance, and patriotism. Competing in their respective age categories — 70+ for Om Prakash Sharma and 65+ for Ajit Singh — the duo represented India and emerged as silver medallists in multiple events, making their district and country proud.
But behind these shining medals lies a less glamorous reality. Both athletes had to bear all their expenses, from travel to accommodation, with no assistance or recognition from government bodies or sports authorities. Their victories, while celebrated silently among peers and well-wishers, went largely unnoticed at the official level.
“I had to fund the entire journey myself,” said Om Prakash Sharma. “But standing on the podium with the Indian flag behind me was worth every sacrifice. It was a moment filled with emotion.” He urged the youth to stay away from drugs and embrace sports, which, he believes, not only shape a healthy body but also offer lifelong identity and pride.
Ajit Singh, who stepped into athletics only after his retirement, expressed similar emotions. “In just eight years, I went from being a beginner to an international medallist. That sense of achievement is unmatched. But it’s disheartening when your own country’s institutions remain indifferent,” he shared.
Both athletes emphasize that sports are not just for the young, and that age should never be a barrier to pursuing passion or representing one’s country. They believe that consistent participation in physical activities keeps one mentally and physically agile — a message India needs now more than ever.
Their stories are not just about medals. They are about grit, about rewriting the meaning of aging, and about proving that it’s never too late to dream — or to bring glory to the nation.
Munish Sood
