New Delhi: Sanjay Karmakar often experienced distress as he watched his 12-year-old daughter, Misti, rise at 3:30 AM each day to prepare for her javelin training. She would cycle 4 kilometers to the athletics academy located on the outskirts of Malda in West Bengal, return to attend school, and then repeat the process in the evening.

As a hawker at the Malda Railway station, Karmakar lacked the financial means to support his daughter's training. On a good day, he earns ₹400 by selling homemade food at the station, but there are also days when his earnings fall short.

His status as an unlicensed vendor restricts his ability to sell meals within the station, making it difficult to provide for his family of six, which includes three children. This financial strain makes it challenging to afford shoes, a proper diet, and training expenses for Misti. Nevertheless, Karmakar never discouraged Misti from pursuing her passion; he borrowed shoes and sought financial assistance from friends to enable her participation in competitions.

Now 16 years old, Misti has emerged as one of India’s most promising young javelin throwers. On Thursday, she will represent the nation at the Asian Under-18 Athletics Championships in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.

Following her remarkable performances in domestic competitions, including a gold medal at the National Youth Athletics Championships in Patna last month, Misti has secured a place on the Indian team, achieving a personal best throw of 45.02 meters.

Upon her arrival in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, Misti called home, excitedly sharing her experience of taking her first flight. Karmakar could hardly fathom that his daughter was traveling abroad to represent India.

“I never imagined she would travel outside of India. I have no knowledge of sports and lack the resources to support her training. However, witnessing her determination to succeed in athletics, I believed she would make progress. With my limited income, I manage to support my family, but I feel regretful that I cannot provide her with better assistance,” Karmakar expressed over the phone from Malda.

Misti began her journey in athletics at the urging of Asit Pal, a former university-level sprinter who operates his own academy. Recognizing her potential, Pal introduced her to the sport of javelin.

"She has been dedicated to training for four years, never missing a single session, even on cold winter mornings when we suggested she take a break. I have supported her in every way possible, but she requires high-quality shoes and a diet that exceeds my financial means."

"She travels with her coach, as I have never been able to accompany her to training or bring her back, since that would mean losing a day's income," Karmakar explains.

Last year, Karmakar was pleasantly surprised to receive a letter from the Sports Authority of India (SAI), inviting Misti to train at their center in Jalpaiguri. "This has been a significant relief. She now resides in a hostel and trains there, and her performance has noticeably improved."

Understanding her father's financial situation, Misti has kept her requests modest. "She has never voiced any complaints. I saved money to buy her clothes and shoes. For competitions, she required better footwear, which I could not afford. I borrowed extra shoes and jerseys from other children in the academy and returned them after her events."

For travel expenses, support comes from the local market association and the councillor. "They cover her train tickets, allowing her to travel to Kolkata, Patna, and Punjab. They also assisted her in obtaining a passport last month."

Upon her return to Malda after winning a gold medal in Patna, Misti was celebrated with great enthusiasm by the district sports association. An even larger celebration is anticipated when she returns from Saudi Arabia.

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