Pooja Bishnoi, a 13-year-old athlete from Guda Bishnoiyan village in Rajasthan, has been making headlines with her impressive running records. She has won multiple gold medals in the 800m, 1500m, and 3000m events, and her world record of 10:50 minutes in the U-10 category is a testament to her exceptional speed and endurance. Pooja set a new meet record in the 3,000m at the U-19 IPSC Athletics Tournament (2024).
Pooja’s journey began at a young age, with her uncle Sarwan Budiya as her coach. The Virat Kohli Foundation supports her training, nutrition, and travel expenses, helping her pursue her dream of competing in the Youth Olympics. Her dedication and perseverance have inspired many, including renowned athletes and fans across India.
From Village Fields to National Glory
Born to Ashok Bishnoi, a farmer, and Mima Devi, a homemaker, Pooja’s journey as an athlete began at the age of five. She displayed a natural inclination towards sports and, by eight, had already run 3 km in an impressive 12:50 minutes.
Her talent and dedication soon caught the attention of the Virat Kohli Foundation, which now supports her with training, nutrition, and travel expenses. Pooja’s achievements have earned her recognition on platforms like BYJU’S Young Genius, where she shared her aspirations and dedication to becoming an Olympic champion.
Her coach Sarwan Budiya noted, “Pooja’s determination is unmatched; she never gives up, even when faced with challenges.” Tushar Nair from the Virat Kohli Foundation added, “Her clarity of thought and intent to achieve big goals is remarkable, and we are proud to support her journey.”
The Journey to Success
Pooja’s success story is deeply rooted in her humble beginnings. Born in a small village in Rajasthan, she faced financial constraints but was supported by her family and coaches. Her uncle Sarwan Budiya has been instrumental in her training, guiding her through rigorous sessions despite limited resources.
Pooja’s ultimate goal is to represent India at the Youth Olympics and win a medal, a dream she is diligently working towards with her daily routine and strict diet. Her journey serves as an inspiration to many young athletes, showing that with hard work and support, dreams can be achieved.
Pooja has also set a world record for the under-10 age group by completing a 3 km run in just 10:50 minutes, further solidifying her position as a future Olympic hopeful.
Challenges and Triumphs
Pooja’s path to success has not been without challenges. She has faced financial constraints and limited access to sports facilities, but her determination has kept her going. Nutritionist Maitreyi Bokil emphasized the importance of a balanced diet for young athletes like Pooja to sustain their rigorous physical activity without adverse effects.
Pooja’s success has also drawn attention to the need for better sports infrastructure in rural areas to nurture more talents like hers. Her story highlights the importance of community support and sponsorship in helping young athletes achieve their goals.
Pooja’s recent achievements include winning four gold medals in the 800m, 1500m, 3000m, and 4km races, along with being awarded the Best Athlete title.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Pooja Bishnoi’s inspiring journey highlights the importance of nurturing talent, especially in rural areas. Her success underscores the need for accessible sports infrastructure and financial aid for young athletes.
The Logical Indian commends Pooja’s grit and applauds the role of mentors like Sarwan Budiya who dedicate themselves selflessly to shaping future champions. What steps can we take as a society to ensure that more children like Pooja get access to resources necessary for their growth?
How can we work together to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for aspiring athletes from all backgrounds? Share your thoughts!
