Once again, Achinto Pramanik’s athletic ambitions face a hurdle due to lack of financial backing, ahead of the Asian Masters Athletics Championship.
JAMSHEDPUR – Amidst his triumphant sporting victories, a dampener for septuagenarian athlete Achinto Pramanik – absence of sponsorship.
He won three gold and one silver medal in Hyderabad’s 2017 national meet, plus three medals in the 2015 national event in Goa.
However, even with his long list of accolades, he couldn’t represent India in the 2015 World Masters Athletics Championship in France due to inadequate funding.
His recurring dream of competing internationally still stands unfulfilled.
Pramanik, a humble grocery store owner, is a resident of Gamharia in Seriakela-Kharsawan.
Despite his achievements, he admits the difficulty in finding sponsors for mature athletes.
Maintaining his health and spirit, he expressed his love for running, refusing to see age as a barrier in sports.
After claiming two silver medals in Kolkata’s national masters meet earlier this year, Pramanik reaffirmed his struggle to secure sponsors.
The Covid-induced lockdown took a toll on Pramanik’s training routine, leaving him feeling out of shape.
Nevertheless, his ambition remains unscathed, with hopes of representing India in international tournaments and running in as many marathons as possible.
Pramanik has qualified for the Asian Masters Athletics Championship, slated for November 8-12, 2023 in the Philippines, but lacks the requisite $1000 to get there.
