She is winner of full-marathon in Mumbai, clocking 2:53:35 hours to emerge the best Indian in the women's category.

Lalita Babbar was elated after completing the full-marathon in Mumbai, clocking 2:53:35 hours to emerge the best Indian in the women's category. Lalita's switch from half marathon to full has been a special one. The daughter of a farmer had to face family opposition in her quest to become a champion marathoner.

Her father Shivaji was against the idea of taking up sports as a profession. But she didn't give up and overcame all odds. "We are farmers and there is no fixed income for us. I am the eldest in the family and have three younger siblings. My father didn't want me to be a sportsperson because he was of the opinion that sports couldn't fetch me regular income. It was only after I became the breadwinner they started supporting me," said the 23-year-old from Maan taluka in Satara district.

She is basking in the new-found success, but is aware that her Olympic qualification dream is still not fulfilled. "I still can't believe that I was able to complete the marathon in less tha ...more

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Marathon runner