Children gear up for Salwan marathon

Praveen Kumar is geared up to compete in the visually impaired category (4.5km) of the Salwan Marathon on Sunday. A Class 10 student of Kendriya Vidyalaya, Praveen is passionate about shorter track races and has been competing in the B2 category at national-level events for sometime.

Praveen Kumar is geared up to compete in the visually impaired category (4.5km) of the Salwan Marathon on Sunday. A Class 10 student of Kendriya Vidyalaya, Praveen is passionate about shorter track races and has been competing in the B2 category at national-level events for sometime.

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But he is making an extra effort for the road race, being held in association with Hindustan Times. "I have started covering 3-4km in the morning sessions. Hopefully, it will prepare me for the tough test," said Praveen. Though he has been participating in the road race for the past three years, Praveen is more focused this year: "I want to win the title."

Like Praveen, there are other students who are preparing for the competition. According to Praveen's teacher Shantha Ranga-raja, his dream of racing ahead of the pack will not be possible without the support of volunteers. "All the students are guided during training and competition by individuals from different walks of life," she says.

Apart from Delhi, visually impaired students from other states are also expected to compete.