Orchatteri Puthiyaveetil Jaisha, commonly known as O.P. Jaisha, stands as a testament to human resilience and determination.
Born on May 23, 1983, in Kerala, India, her journey from an impoverished village to the grand stages of international athletics is nothing short of inspirational.
Early Life and Struggles
Jaisha's childhood was marked by extreme poverty. Growing up in Thrissilery, a tribal region in Wayanad district, she often faced days without adequate food.
In moments of desperation, she resorted to eating mud to quell her hunger pangs.
Her daily routine involved waking up at 5 a.m. to milk cows, walking miles to sell the milk, and then attending school. These arduous tasks inadvertently laid the foundation for her endurance and stamina.
Jaisha's foray into athletics was serendipitous. As a teenager, she attended a sports festival 3 km from her hometown. Initially a spectator, she was persuaded by a local coach to participate in the 800m race.
Competing barefoot against seasoned athletes, Jaisha clinched first place, finishing a remarkable 100 meters ahead of the national school champion. This unexpected victory ignited her passion for running and set her on a path to pursue athletics seriously.
Recognizing her potential, Jaisha secured admission to Assumption College in Changanassery, renowned for its athletic programs.
Under the mentorship of coach Unnikrishnan Menon and physical education head Ninamma Thomas, she honed her skills. Their unwavering support provided her with the necessary training and equipment, including her first pair of running shoes.
Rise in National Athletics
Jaisha's dedication bore fruit at the 2005 University Games, where she secured gold in the 1,500m, 5,000m, and 10,000m events.
This stellar performance earned her a spot in the National Camp. In 2006, she represented India at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne and clinched a bronze medal in the 5,000m at the Asian Games in Doha.
Challenges and Setbacks
Despite her early successes, Jaisha faced significant challenges. Family responsibilities, including arranging her sisters' marriages and managing her father's medical expenses, took a toll on her physically and financially.
Injuries further hampered her performance, leading to a decline in form. A stress fracture dashed her hopes of competing in the London Olympics, and by the age of 30, she contemplated retiring from athletics.
Resurgence and Marathon Debut
Determined to make a comeback, Jaisha, with the support of her husband and former sprinter Gurmeet Singh, trained at the Sports Authority of India's high-altitude centre in Dharamshala.
Under the guidance of coach Dr. Nikolai Snesarev, she transitioned to marathon running. In her debut at the 2015 Mumbai Marathon, she shattered a 19-year-old national record, finishing as the fastest Indian woman.
Later that year, at the World Championships in Beijing, she set a new national record with a time of 2:34:43, surpassing her previous mark.
Olympic Journey and Controversy
Jaisha qualified for the 2016 Rio Olympics, representing India in the marathon event. However, her experience was marred by controversy. She alleged that Indian officials failed to provide water and energy drinks during the race, leading to her collapse at the finish line.
This incident sparked widespread debate about the support provided to Indian athletes at international events.
Legacy and Impact
Beyond her athletic achievements, Jaisha's story is one of perseverance against overwhelming odds. From a childhood of deprivation to becoming a national record holder, she embodies the spirit of determination.
Her journey has inspired many, highlighting the importance of support systems for athletes and the need for better infrastructure in Indian sports.
References
"O. P. Jaisha - Wikipedia"
"How OP Jaisha Went from Eating Mud for Survival to Competing at the Olympics"
"Op Jaisha: Latest News, Photos, Videos on Op Jaisha - NDTV.com"
Comments