BENGALURU: Bengalurean Sagar Baheti, had a point to prove. By becoming the first visually impaired Indian to compete and finish in the prestigious Boston Marathon on Sunday, he has sent out a clear message.
The 31-year-old finished 18th in his category in this tough marathon that saw about 34,000 runners taking part across categories. There were other Indians who competed as well but in the regular categories. And this was a self-financed one for Baheti.
Baheti has competed in running events like the Ladakh Marathon, Kaveri Trail, Coorg Escapade and Bangalore Ultra Marathon. He has even competed in the Tour of Nilgiris cycling event. But this was his first run abroad.
“It is fantastic to have participated in the world’s biggest and most competitive running event. The qualifying times are very competitive,” he told Express from Boston.
“I am glad that our country had representation. But the greater point is to be able to inspire more people with challenges to get out and achieve things to the fullest.
It is also important for people in India to be aware and supportive of people with special challenges,” he said. He works with an ngo called Centre of Eye Genetics and Research.