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Bushra Khan, an impressive long-distance runner from India, has made a significant impact in the world of track and field, known for her grit and determination in the 5000m and 10,000m events. She has shown great potential early in her career, already having the title of an Asian U20 Championships silver medallist.
Hailing from Madhya Pradesh, her journey is marked by not just athletic talent but also incredible courage to overcome personal hardships, making her an inspiration to many young athletes across the nation.
Her recent performance at the Khelo India University Games (KIUG) solidified her status as a true athlete. Representing Rabindranath Tagore University, Bushra started the competition strongly by securing the first track and field gold medal of the Games in the women's 5000m event with a timing of 18:15.27s, demonstrating his capabilities. She followed this up with a silver medal in the women's 10000m event at Khelo India University Games.
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The gold and silver medals she clinched at the Khelo India University Games are a testament to her consistency and her ability to perform under pressure on a big stage. These achievements are vital steps in her pursuit of higher goals in her career, as she continues to train hard and improve her timings.
Bushra is focused on turning this strong domestic success into international glory, with aspirations to represent India at major global events like the Asian Games and the Olympics in the near future.
Bushra Khan talks about journey, hardships and future plans in an interview with Sportskeeda at Khelo India University Games
Bushra Khan shared her journey and her future goals in an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda, offering insights into the mindset that drives her success.
“I am not happy with my performance at the 10000m event as I came second and this is also not my best time. My personal best is 34.50 but due to the injury I wasn't able to perform at my best in today's event. I have a hip injury and when I was running, I could feel the pain and because of that I got the silver medal in the 10000m event.”
On being asked about her future plans after a not so successful session, Bushra said:
“My ultimate goal is to play the Asian Games and I know I am ready for it and can get a medal in that. I right now have an injury but I will make sure to rehab well and cure it as soon as possible to make a strong comeback. I believe in myself as I have done it previously and can do it again.”
Bushra Khan recently transitioned from youth to senior competitions and that happens to be a difficult time for any athlete. She did well in the youth competitions and is keen to prove herself on the senior stage too.
Her journey has not been short of hardships, particularly after the demise of her father.
“My father used to work in a chemical factory, and we lost him due to an accident there. I didn't even see my father one last time, and after that, things completely changed for us. We had to move our home, and I took a long break from sports because we became very low financially. Now, I have come back to represent my country. I am not weak; I only have some financial issues, which prevent me from taking the necessary diet as well. It is difficult to manage, but I know I can do well.
"Right now, my mother's health is not well, and since my two sisters are also studying, I have to look after everything along with my sports. My coach is a blessing for us; he always helps us with daily use items and is ready to help my family and me financially. This also helps me concentrate on my sports. The most major need for an athlete is proper shoes, as they can directly cause major injuries to us. I am a long-distance runner, so I must change my shoes on a regular basis, but that becomes very costly," said Bushra.
Bushra also opened about her experience in the JSW Academy which is also a home to many other young and aspiring athletes. She is happy that the academy has a lot of quality coaches, nutritionists, physiologists and experts who help them at every stage. This helps athletes to perform at their best and this is quite visible as a lot of international players come from this academy.
Belonging to a very conservative community where girls are not allowed to enter sports, how is everyone reacting now after she has become so successful?
“There used to be a time when people used to say to my mother that don't let your girl run outside in shorts but now the time has changed. Now that I have done so well in this field, they always ask my mother which competition she is participating in now. They also tell my mother that if we get a girl now, we will also put them in sports. I am happy that I am able to inspire a whole generation of girls in my community to come forward in sports and win medals for the country," she concluded.
