Three events, three gold medals. Quite naturally, Padmini M G of Surana College emerged as the individual champion in the women’s section in the Bangalore University’s inter-collegiate athletics meet. And this was not the first time Padmini had that honour and distinction. In August this year, Padmini emerged as the individual women’s champion during the South Zone junior and senior athletics meets as well when representing Karnataka.
Well, which were the events this promising and talented athlete excelled in you may wonder. Yes, she won the 200 metres and the 400 metres races and was part of the 4 x 100 metres relay team as well during the collegiate and the South Zone meets as well.
But Padmini’s favourite event is the one-lapper. Incidentally, she idolises India sprint athlete Manjit Kaur a lot. “In fact, I look up to her and I am very fond of her running style. I want to emulate her and represent my country at the International level. After all she is the national record holder for the event,” said Padmini.
Padmini won the 200 metres in 25.8 Secs and the one-lap race in record time. Padmini clocked 56.8 secs to erase the old mark of 57.40 secs set by G. Bindu Rani of Jain College in 2006. “I was in the Sports School in Kudige and was interested in athletics. I took part in running races in school and won many events. My interest in athletics grew and I took to the sport seriously. Now, there is no looking back and I want to do well in athletics and academics as well,” the 20-year-old Padmini said.
But how did the 400 metres event become her favourite event?
“Well, I enjoyed running the distance more than any other and hence the 400 metres is surely my pet event although I have run the 100 and 200 as well,” said the final year commerce student of Surana College.
“I want to do my MBA and at the same time concentrate on my running as I want to become a professional athlete and do well at the international level,” she added. “Right now I am preparing for the all-India inter-university meet to be held in Kolkata and after that I will see how it goes,” said Padmini who is being coached by former international athlete Aiyappa.
“I train for about four hours every day and then rush to college for my classes. My college supports me a lot and it is easy for me to combine my studies and sports,” added Padmini.
Apart from Manjit, who else does she look up to? “To be honest, I hardly watched the London Olympics as I was busy with my studies,” said Padmini.
Yes studies and athletics for sure but what are her other interests? “I like to listen to music and am also interested in dance. In fact, I took part in dance programmes at school,” said Padmini who now leads her opponents a merry dance.
The athletic girl from Kodagu is indeed on the right track to glory and more will surely be heard of her in the days ahead.