HYDERABAD: Legendary Milkha Singh, the ‘Flying Sikh’, who raced against trains and raced against time, has his hopes pinned on a Hyderabadi to emulate his wonderful career. “I want more Milkha Singhs to be produced from Hyderabad. Youth have to boost their willpower. Whoever is willing to work hard insanely will only be successful,” he voiced.
The man who toiled to make a living and joined the Army recalled his training days in athletics which started 50 years ago at EME Artillery Centre. He veered off on a nostalgic trip of his Secunderabad days. He was in the city to flag off the Hyderabad 10k marathon on Sunday.
“Today’s youngsters lose the battle halfway. This is where I would like to tell the youth that willpower and hard work combined will alone take you places. If you succeed, the country will succeed. I have seen Independence. My dream is to see the youngsters give flight to India among other countries,” he echoed.
Indians are more inclined towards cricket and other main stream sports. About the athletic scenario, he said, “India has won medals in five games - wrestling, boxing, shooting, badminton and tennis. But I am disappointed that India has not won a gold ever in athletics since Independence. Milkha Singh, PT Usha and Anju George brought laurels to the country. Athletics is a respected sport across the world. I want to see kids being selected for athletes, being trained, being well educated and given proper food and housing in an academy. I will challenge you that this combo will give us better athletes. Coaches have to ensure that this happens. I will not be happy unless we get medals in athletics. We might win gold in others, but athletics is a favourite sport across the world. We keep talking about gold, we have to at least strive for bronze first.”
Has the 2013 biopic (Bhaag Milkha Bhaag) change the scenario? “I can see a lot of change. I go to Bengaluru, Mumbai, Kolkata etc. I see people taking up training for running. I can see the passion, but that has to be backed by hard work. Hard work is a team effort of the player, coaches and the Association.
I don’t believe anybody is working hard right now (Stressing his point firmly). I used to run six hours daily irrespective of hot or cold weather. Show me one kid who runs at least for 2 hours. There a billion people in the world. If you have to emerge successful, then it has to be hard work,” he echoed.