Ticket checker to Asian athletics record breaker, Rajesh Ramesh is an inspiration for India
Rajesh Ramesh's story has become an inspiration for many. (Photo: Instagram/ rajesh_400, X/World Athletics)
A ticket inspector hailing from Trichy in Tamil Nadu, India, shattered both national and Asian records by securing the second position at a World Athletics Championship held in the United States.
What
With remarkable resolve and expertise, the Indian 4Γ400 m relay squad accomplished a momentous feat at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary.
- Comprising Muhammed Anas, Amoj Jacob, Muhammed Ajmal Variyathodi, and Rajesh Ramesh, the quartet left an indelible mark on the records of Indian sporting chronicles.
Who saw this coming π³
β World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) August 26, 2023
India punches its ticket to the men's 4x400m final with a huge Asian record of 2:59.05 π#WorldAthleticsChamps pic.twitter.com/fZ9lBqoZ4h
From among these four, the story of Rajesh Ramesh has become quite the motivation for numerous aspiring athletes. His journey from being employed as a ticket examiner at the Trichy railway station, to achieving this feat is something straight out of a movie.
Incredible teamwork at the World Athletics Championships!
β Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 27, 2023
Anas, Amoj, Rajesh Ramesh and Muhammed Ajmal sprinted into the finals, setting a new Asian Record in the M 4X400m Relay.
This will be remembered as a triumphant comeback, truly historical for Indian athletics. pic.twitter.com/5pRkmOoIkM
Rameshβs journey
The fairytale journey of Ramesh hasnβt been easy at all, given that his aspirations were nearly thwarted by the Covid pandemic.
In 2020, he assumed the role of a ticket inspector at Trichy railway station, a position he openly acknowledged to being under-performing at and the sole reason for that was his lack of affection toards the role.
The 24-year-old sportsman refused to give up.
During the recent Federation Cup in Ranchi, Ramesh not only demonstrated remarkable skill but also dominated the 400 m semifinals, clocking 46.13 seconds. This timing exceeded the Athletics Federation of India's benchmark for qualification in the Asian Championships at 46.17 seconds.
Early life
Taking charge of his family post his father's demise, Ramesh's uncle, Anbalagan, stepped in. As per Ramesh's uncle, the young individual secured numerous medals during his academic pursuits. While his team achieved a record-breaking feat on Saturday, they secured the fifth position on Sunday.
USA won the medal, India won hearts
The US team, comprising Quincy Hall, Ver-non Norwood, Rai Benjamin, and Justin Robinson, secured their fifth back-to-back victory in both the World Championships and Olympic Games.
But the US team goes even faster with 2:58.47π₯#WorlAthleticsChamps pic.twitter.com/mu6gUHMT23
β World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) August 26, 2023
Meanwhile, the lesser-known Indian quartet with Muhammed Anas Yahiya, Amoj Jacob, Muham-mad Ajmal Variyathodi, and Rajesh Ramesh, saw Rajesh excel as the anchor during the World Championships.