By Ajay Motiwala
In Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, a truck driver who continued working until the COVID-19 pandemic became the father of twin girls in September 1998. The arrival of three daughters in the family brought happiness to their home, but some people in the neighbourhood repeatedly taunted him, asking how a truck driver would provide for three daughters and how he would arrange their marriages when they grew up.
However, the truck driver, Ramraj, and his wife, Meena, began a courageous journey of struggle and perseverance. Today, those who once mocked the family have been silenced. One of their three daughters recently broke a 42-year-old record held by India’s legendary runner P. T. Usha at the Asian Games in Japan. The young athlete also brought glory to India by winning three medals, including a gold.
Which Three Medals Did She Win in Japan?
P. T. Usha, who is currently the president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), saw her four-decade-old record broken by 28-year-old Vithya Ramraj from Tamil Nadu during her tenure. Usha had clocked 55.42 seconds in the 400-metre hurdles at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. At the recent Asian Games in Japan, Vithya completed the 400-metre hurdles in 54.75 seconds to win the bronze medal, breaking Usha’s long-standing record.
In other words, Vithya silenced those who had taunted her father Ramraj years ago by completing the race in just 54.75 seconds at the Japanese competition. India finished fourth at the Games with a total of 85 medals, including 21 gold, and Vithya played an important role in the country’s medal-winning campaign.
Vithya completed a medal hat-trick in Japan. She won gold in the women’s 4×400-metre relay alongside Prachi Chaudhary, Kiran Pahal and Machettira Poovamma. She also secured a silver medal in the 4×400-metre relay alongside Manu T. S., Machettira Poovamma and Vishal T. K.
After her achievements in Japan, Vithya told reporters, “There was a time when my father spent all his earnings on training my twin sister and me in athletics. He worked as a truck driver, and there were even days when he had to go without food. Those days of struggle, however, are now behind us.”
Her Twin Sister Nithya Is Also a Runner
Vithya Ramraj’s twin sister, Nithya, is also a runner and has won several tournaments. However, an injury prevented Nithya from participating in the Asian Games in Japan.
Her Mother Inspired Her to Take Up Running
Vithya and Nithya have an elder sister who is married. During their school days, the twins played only field hockey. However, they were exceptionally agile runners, prompting their school hostel’s physical education teacher to advise their mother to encourage the girls to pursue athletics professionally.
The family was not financially well-off, but Meena Ramraj decided that she would ensure her daughters received athletic training at any cost. She and her husband, Ramraj, pooled together whatever little money they could save and arranged running training for Vithya and Nithya.
Both girls were talented from an early age. They made their parents’ sacrifices worthwhile by excelling in athletics while also completing their graduation. A few years ago, after winning a major tournament, the sisters gifted jewellery to their mother.
Vithya Works as a Railway Ticket Collector, While Nithya Is in the Income Tax Department
Much like Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who worked as a railway ticket collector before becoming a successful cricketer, Vithya also began working for the Railways before winning trophies in athletics.
Vithya continues to serve as a Senior Commercial-cum-Ticket Collector in the Palakkad division of Southern Railway. Her twin sister, Nithya, works in the Income Tax Department.
Tamil Nadu Government Awards Her ₹1. 5 Crore; She Plans to Buy a New Flat
The Tamil Nadu government has rewarded Vithya Ramraj with a total of ₹1. 5 crore for her medal-winning achievements. She had invested her earlier prize money in fixed deposits and will now purchase a new flat for her family.
Kumkum’s Father Makes Sweet Boxes; Now He Distributes Sweets to Well-Wishers
Two days before the Asian Games in Japan concluded, Maharashtra archer Kumkum Mohod made history by winning India’s first-ever medal—and a gold medal at that—in the women’s individual recurve event. She also secured qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Kumkum’s father, Anil Mohod, has been running a business selling boxes used for packaging sweets for many years. His 17-year-old daughter, who is studying in Class 12 in Amravati, also won a team gold medal and a mixed-team silver medal at the Asian Games in Japan.
Kumkum recently won two gold medals at the World Cup in China as well. Overwhelmed by his daughter’s achievements, Anil bought several boxes filled with sweets and distributed them among relatives, neighbours and friends.
From an E-Bike to the Prospect of Owning a Car
In an interview, Anil Mohod said, “My daughter Kumkum is still very young. I had to take her to the archery training centre and bring her back every day, so I bought her an electric bike. If I booked a vehicle to drop her off and bring her home, it would cost me ₹5,000.
“Recently, when she won the Asian Championship, I used part of her prize money to buy her an e-bike. Now she has won two gold medals at the Asian Games and is receiving a substantial amount in prize money. I will use that money to buy her a car.
“Kumkum has qualified for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Her coach has already promised that if she wins a medal there, he will gift her an iPhone.”
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