JOIN USG K Vijayakumari could have been another example of a lost talent in sports. Back in 2012, societal pressure posed a big threat to her budding career. Born to a family with humble means, Vijayakumari was a child rich in abilities. But her conservative parents couldn't even think of their daughter carving a successful career in sports and inspiring many in the small village of Goudenahalli near Mandya.
"At the age of 16, my family wanted me to get married," recollects Vijayakumari. "Like many young girls in my village, my grandmother wanted me to marry and my parents were of the same opinion," she says.
It took the timely intervention of Sports Authority of India (SAI) chief coach Dr Y S Lakshmeesha to bring Vijayakumari out of that depressing scenario.
"I studied in the Sri Adichunchanagiri School and my physical education teacher Mahalinge Gowda was very supportive. He took me to SAI selection trials in 2012 and I got selected. My coach (Lakshmeesha) spoke to my parents and tried convincing them that I had a future in running. After a lot of persuading, they finally agreed and I began training under him," she says.
Five years down the line, Vijayakumari has emerged as Karnataka's 400 and 800 metres runner. She has silenced her doubters and has become one of the best in the country. At the recent Federation Cup in Patiala, the 21-year-old bagged the 400M silver in a personal-best time of 53.03 seconds, finishing ahead of senior and Asian Games medallist M R Poovamma. She produced a career-best effort in the 800 metres as well, clinching bronze in 2:07.37 seconds.
It is her undying spirit that impressed Lakshmeesha the most. "She never hesitated in learning and she was always ready to take up challenges. She was different from other athletes. Even today, during training sessions, she says a 'yes' to all my instructions," says Lakshmeesha.
The determined approach fetched Vijayakumari her first big medal in 2013. The youngster triumphed in the girls' U-18 400 metres at the National Youth Championships in Guntur. "It was my first ever nationals and the win will always remain special to me. At 46 degrees, the weather was a huge problem but I am glad I overcame such hurdles to bag the gold," she says.
The victory was just the beginning for Vijayakumari, whose conquered the State Athletic meets in the 200 and 400 metres sections in subsequent years. After succeeding in the girls' U-18 400 metres at the Junior Nationals in Bengaluru in 2014, Vijayakumari's first international medal came at the Lusofonia Games in Goa, where she bagged the silver in the women's 400 metres.
The early days were testing. "I faced a lot of financial difficulties. Though many things are given to you free at the SAI camp, we still need to buy a few things. I would always request half of the required amount from my parents. If something cost Rs 10,000, I would ask for Rs 5000," she says.
The highs and lows have only made Vijayakumari stronger. Her performance in the Federation Cup last year is a case in point, feels Lakshmeesha. "In the 400 metres, she defeated Tintu Luka in the heats and then finished fourth in the final, ahead of P T Usha's student, the talented Jisna Mathew. That was a confidence booster for her. I felt happy that she didn't get bogged down by the big names. Her performance gained her a place in the Indian 4x400 metres relay team at the Asian Championship in Bhubaneshwar. That was her first representation at the international level in the senior category," explains Lakshmeesha.
Kumara and Prema, Vijayakumari's parents, are farmers and they are extremely proud of their daughter's achievements. "Somewhere in their mind, the fact that I am still not married troubles them," laughs Vijayakumari. "But they have changed a lot and they are happy with whatever I have done. Even the people in my village look at me with a lot of respect," she says.
Lakshmeesha is aiming for an Asian Games medal for his ward and the preparations are on, he says. "She has a superb rhythm. Her progress hasn't been sudden and that's the reason she has remained injury free. It's all about preserving her talent and guiding her in the right direction. She has been running 800 metres for the last two years and her skills are equal to any top Asian level runner," he says.
Now pursuing her second-year degree in B Com at the Arunodaya Evening College, Vijayakumari is employed as a multi-tasking staffer in Income Tax Department, Chennai. "I never thought of quitting during the tough phases and I will continue to work hard. I get inspired by P T Usha and Allyson Felix and I want to make my country proud," she beams with confidence.