Joda (Odisha): He is 77 years old, but age hasn’t deterred Deoraj Samanta from pursuing his passion of running.
A resident of Joda town in Odisha’s mining-rich Keonjhar district, Deoraj works out every morning, irrespective of the weather condition, to maintain his physical fitness.
An ex-employee of Tata Steel, Deoraj participates in run events across the country, wherever he gets a chance.
Come Sunday, the septuagenarian will be among 5,000 participants in the maiden edition of Tata Steel-organised Run-a-thon in Joda, with the theme ‘Run for a greener tomorrow’.
“Since Tata Steel Joda Run-a-thon is being organised in my home town, it will be my greatest pleasure to take part in the high-octane event. My 10K run will definitely send a message to the society for a greener tomorrow,” said Deoraj who is “self-motivated and self-propelled.”
A bronze-medallist in sprint in the Asian Athletics Championship, Deoraj hopeful of bettering his own record in his native town.
“I’m sure my morning walker friends, neighbours, friends and well-wishers will encourage me to break my own previous record in 10K run,” said Deoraj who is a nature lover and likes to plant saplings.
