By Imtiaz Ahmed
Beningstar Lyngkhoi: Road to victory
Shillong, Apr 24 : It is sheer determination and hard work that helped Meghalaya runner Beningstar Lyngkhoi become the top ranked marathoner of the nation in barely four years’ time.
Taking up long distance running at the age of 23, a time when athletes usually give up competitive sports, Lyngkhoi, an Armyman by profession, dedicated himself fully to marathon and became the national champion.
The 27-year-old ace prospect for the Commonwealth Games spoke to The Telegraph on the sidelines of the ongoing 24th North East Games where he emerged the 5,000 and 10,000metre champion.
The following are excerpts:
On his career as a marathoner
I took up athletics at the age of 15. However, I discovered my ability in marathon at the age of 23. I started practicing on my own in the hilly terrain of Meghalaya. It helped me a lot to win various marathons across the country. I got exposure to professional and scientific coaching in the Army Sports Institute, Pune where I am still training.
On his prospects for the Delhi Commonwealth Games squad
We have two more rounds of qualifying competitions in Malaysia and Kenya in the next few months. The performance in those two events will be considered for the final selection. I hope to be able to live up to the expectations.
On the prospects of the Northeast in athletics
India as a whole has evolved as a force to reckon with in the last few years. We have started qualifying for the Olympics which shows the scenario has undoubtedly improved. The Northeast has some of the best talent in athletics in the entire nation. Our people are naturally gifted and the terrain grooms people in athletes. The need of the hour is tapping and grooming.
On the North East Games
It is one of the best platforms for any region to tap talent. It is the platform for most of the sportspersons of the region. It is true, however, that the meet is never organized the way it should be. The participating states should also start to take it more seriously and send better contingents. The organizers should now think of starting it at the junior level too.
On sports infrastructure in the Northeast
It is quite unfortunate that the region is rich in talent but very poor as far as infrastructure is concerned. When other states in the country have up to six synthetic tracks and infrastructure like modern stadia, equipment, we still have to make do with grass tracks and turf in our stadiums. The region as a whole should try to develop as much infrastructure as possible and I hope it will become a sporting powerhouse very soon.
[ via Telegraph India ]
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