Coimbatore: “In return for the sacrifice my father made, we dedicate our victory to him,” said athlete Vidya Ramraj, who returned to Coimbatore after winning medals at the Asian Games. She also said that winning at the Olympics is her next goal.
Ramraj and Meena are a couple from Meenatchipuram village in Valukkupparai, near Madukkarai in Coimbatore district. Their daughter is Vidya Ramraj. She won medals at the 20th Asian Games held in Japan. In the women’s 400-meter hurdles, Vidya Ramraj completed the race in 54.75 seconds to win the bronze medal, breaking P.T. Usha’s 42-year-old record.
Her team also won a medal in the 400-meter relay race. Following the conclusion of the competitions, athlete Vidya Ramraj returned to Coimbatore today (Oct. 3). At Coimbatore airport, Water Resources Minister N. Anand welcomed her by draping a shawl around her.
It is gratifying to have achieved this feat
Speaking to reporters afterward, athlete Vidya Ramraj said: “It is a joy to have gone from Coimbatore and competed for India to achieve this feat. It is very gratifying to have broken P.T. Usha’s record. I have reached this stage because of the support given to me by the central and state governments.
I worked harder in this competition than in the previous one. Since 2023, I have been training with the aim of breaking records. Rather than aiming for a medal, our main goal was to improve our time. The Tamil Nadu Sports Minister has been continuously extending full support. Young athletes should train intensely, trusting their parents and coaches.
The contribution of coaches behind an athlete’s success is significant. The recognition given to athletes should also be given to coaches. This has also been brought to the Chief Minister’s attention.
Next, I am working with the Olympic Games as my goal. Since many of the world’s leading athletes will take part in the Olympics, I am preparing to compete with them and win.
I dedicate this to my father
The economic situation of our family was very difficult. My father, who was a driver, did not have a large income. Back then, buying spike shoes for running was a huge challenge for our family. My father would skip his meals to buy me shoes.
He would skip lunch, save the money from it, and buy me shoes. The hunger he endured that day to raise us has today brought a new light to our family. In return for my father’s sacrifice, we dedicate our success,” he said.