Ultra-trail champ recalls Oman victory, calls upon natives to capitalise on their strength
PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
Nayak (retd) Kalam Singh Bisht, who recently won an international ultra-trail event in Oman shared his journey and experiences during a programme organised at the Uttaranchal Press Club on Saturday. Talking about his work at his native village in Chamoli district, he also stressed on the need to enhance the potential of people in the mountains.
The ultra-trail run was held in Oman from December 11 to 13 last year and saw participation from nearly 4,500 runners representing 68 countries. Bisht secured first place in the 120-kilometre category, completing the race in 18 hours and 18 minutes. Dedicating the achievement to his late father Jai Singh Bisht and his mother Kamla Devi, he said that his initial days were shaped by financial constraints and limited access to training facilities but his determination remained firm.
He said that ultra-trail running is one of the toughest endurance sports, involving steep climbs, rough mountain terrain and distances exceeding the traditional marathon limit of 42 kilometres. A resident of Mundoli village in the Dewal block of Chamoli district, Bisht said that growing up in the Himalayan region helped build his physical endurance, while army discipline strengthened his mental resilience.
Bisht said that he founded the Mundoli Riders Club about three years ago with the aim of nurturing athletic talent and enhancing practical skills among youngsters and women. About 370 youths are currently associated with the initiative, with several preparing for national and international competitions. He said that the club also works to steer young people away from drug addiction and excessive mobile phone use by promoting sports and fitness.
