Garo Hills has never been known for runners. That, however, changed and is continuously changing through the exploits of one man, a 22 year-old from the little heard of village of Tebronggre in West Garo Hills, who is fast turning into a marathon superstar in the country.
Batsrang A Sangma, well known in the local running circuit, has now become a household name in Meghalaya after beating the competition to win the 3rd edition of the Delhi Half Marathon in the non-elite (amateur, 18-25) category. Such was his dominance that he was placed 2nd in the overall run behind the professional (elite) winner by just one minute.
He completed the 21 km run with a timing of one hour ten minutes.
The son of a farmer, Batsrang earlier this year too, hit the podium at the Kolkata Half Marathon standing 3rd in the amateur category.
The 22 year-old is a degree student from Durama College in Tura. Both the runs where he finished in the podium were Athletic Federation of India and International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) certified races.
Batsrang said it felt ‘good’ but there was more to achieve. He thanked all those who were behind his phenomenal run including the Tura Runners Club, his friends, district officials and others for their support. The young athlete was felicitated for his exploits at the Republic Day celebration this year.
