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She is just 14. Her father is a cobbler in Mumbai and none of the family members are into sports. But, Sayali Mhaishune participates and races in state-level and district-level competitions in Maharashtra to earn some extra money and help her parents financially.
Yes, this is one of the most inspirational stories you will read today.
In a moving tale that will warm your heart, a barefooted Sayali clocked 12:27.8 minutes in the 3,000 m event to win gold at the District Sports Office Inter-School Athletic Championships.

In the process, she managed to defeat the defending champion and her school friend Sejal Kadam (13:08.1s), who is two years her senior.

Sayali’s father cannot afford to buy spikes, but the 9th standard student of RM Bhatt High School (Parel) was overjoyed after her record-breaking performance.

‘My father can’t afford to buy me spikes, so I’m used to training barefoot at the Naigaon Police Ground track. As I practice on mud, running on this rough synthetic surface was very tough. The track was very hot too as our races were around noon. Around the halfway mark, I was dehydrated, but somehow kept running. I didn’t expect to win a medal, my aim was simply to finish the race. Spikes would have definitely helped me run faster here.’
And here’s what Manjesh said after her daughter’s extraordinary achievement:
‘I knew she was representing her school at the athletics meet. I wanted to go, but couldn’t because feeding my family is more important than going to watch her run. Whatever little I earn goes into my two daughters’ education. My elder daughter Mayuri (17) is doing a diploma in Information Technology, while my wife Savita keeps ill frequently. Sayali though has made me very proud today. She called to inform me about her gold. I can’t afford an expensive gift, but I’ll take home her favorite chocolates.’
Having such a daughter is the biggest gift a father can have. Similarly, having such a father is the biggest gift a daughter can have.
Keep running, Sayali and one day you will win a gold in the Olympics. 🙂
News Source: NDTV
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