‘We are running towards gaining strength, endurance, and agility’

Both Sana Kakkar and Nekfateh Singh, two brilliant students of Apeejay School, Model Town, studying in classes VII and I, respectively, delivered an extraordinary performance at the recent Jalandhar half marathon, bringing laurels and immense pride to the school with their remarkable achievement. In a candid interview, the two athletes share their plans, including their sheer hard work and sincerity that went into the practice. 

Upon asking how this event has changed your life personally, Nekfateh replied, “I think marathons can improve your healthy lifestyle and social activity. People are motivated by a sense of community, so I love sports and running, and I also do a lot of cycling.

He also mentioned that he would like to take up this sport professionally. “I would like to be a professional athlete when I grow up. I am deeply inspired by Fauja Singh and Milkha Singh.

Nekfateh highlighted that his school teachers provided him with immense support and motivation, and a good diet is the key to success. “⁠I eat healthy foods and drink milk daily. I follow a healthy vegetarian diet. My teachers and Principal ma’am helped and guided me to enter and participate in the marathon,” he shared.

Similarly, Sana set a stupendous precedent for many, and she credits her success to her teachers: “My primary source of motivation was my class teacher, since I saw her participating in lots of marathons and cyclothons. I wanted to try it myself too. So I had a word with my mother, and she motivated me as well to participate.”

Apeejay school has always helped the athletes to soar higher. “All my teachers have supported me. I can’t thank my headmistress and teachers for giving this opportunity. I can’t forget that moment when I was a few steps away from the finishing line and my school teachers were standing there cheering for me to put in an extra effort to reach the finishing line. So I ran faster to finally make it to the finishing line,” Sana added. 

What about the practice regime and training tips, if any? “No special training, just got great tips from my mother at home, from my father in the ground, and the teachers in the school. Few important tips included: Keep yourself hydrated, breathe during running, stretch, and do sprints before the actual marathon,” she concluded.