MUMBAI: The man on the other end of the phone line is cackling. Unusually so. Because the question, ‘could you say something about the hardships you have endured in your career’ is hardly one you would laugh at.
But this is Nagpuri Ramesh, a man who has spent months at end away from his family so that he could hone the skills of some of India’s best sprinters — in recognition of which he was feted with the Dronacharya Award a few days ago.
While the troubles of Indian sprinter Dutee Chand and her fight against the system to compete is well known, Ramesh’s hardships stay relatively unknown.
For almost 15 years, he was stationed outside Hyderabad, where his wife Vidyullatha and daughters Bhavishya and Aneesha stay. His job as coach meant not being there for anniversaries, birthdays and important milestones. He says there have been times when he did not meet his family for six months at a stretch.
“There are more medals listed in my diary than birthdays and anniversary,” Ramesh says before breaking into laughter again.
{{/usCountry}}“There are more medals listed in my diary than birthdays and anniversary,” Ramesh says before breaking into laughter again.
{{/usCountry}}His career also meant missing out on teaching his own kids the tricks of the trade. His elder daughter Aneesha used to run in the 1500m event, even coming second in a district-level race. However, she doesn’t run anymore.
“I’ve spent my life training the children of others, but ironically never had the time to train my own daughter Aneesha, who once finished second in a 1500m race in the district championship,” he added, his laughter vanishing as quickly as it arrived.
Now, he’s hoping that his younger daughter Bhavishya, who’s in Class VII, picks up the sport.
The story of his dedication is well known in the whole of Andhra and Telangana sporting fraternity, who welcomed the news of him being awarded the Dronacharya — a sign of just how popular the coach is in his hometown.
“Ramesh sir thoroughly deserves it. He sacrificed his personal life and stayed away from his family for 15 years. This award is a true tribute for his hard work and dedication,” ex-cricketer and current India national selector MSK Prasad said.