Blade runner Uday Kumar, a competitor in the upcoming Tata Steel Kolkata 25K on December 18, has high expectations for the race.

Uday, a Bihari, had his left leg amputated in 2017 after an accident at the Agarpara train station necessitated surgery that left him without a left leg.

“I am my family’s only son and the only wage earner. It was a huge shock to my wife and kids when the tragedy occurred and I had to amputate my leg. I managed to get by with a plastic leg at that time. But afterward, I was able to learn about the amputated limb thanks to the internet. I had it fixed in Kolkata, and I am now content”, said Uday.

The 32-year-old, who has run in marathons in Delhi, Mumbai, and Darjeeling, is eager to improve his timing on this occasion.

“My goal is to complete 10 kilometers in 1 hour and 30 minutes. I have been competing in races since 2018. My family has given me a lot of encouragement to succeed. I’m from Patna, but I’ve also lived in Delhi, Mumbai, and other places. But this time, competing and breaking a record for myself will be a true challenge,” he remarked.

Uday, who travels alone to work at a private company in Kolkata, now looks to the government for additional assistance.

 “I’ve been traveling the entire nation to run since Day One, and I’ve had to pay for everything myself. I now want to acquire some help and support from the government, which would enable me to continue achieving my goals,” Uday said.

Best of luck Uday!!

Priyanka Dutta