Manoj Kami, the 18-year-old athlete from India’s north eastern state of Sikkim, is an inspiration for youngsters. His unflinching determination helps him to clinch his first gold in 3000 mts run in 5th edition of India’s prestigious Khelo India Youth Games. Here’s what it takes and what it gives to rule the track!
On the right track
- He had won gold and silver in the 1500 and 5000 metres race, respectively in 33rd East Zone Athletics Championship – 2022 Patna.
- He has to his credit two silver medals in 1500 meters and 5000 metres in the 2nd Northeast Olympic Games 2022, Shillong, Meghalaya
- Manoj created history after being selected under the merit category for the KIYG, 2023 which is a first-of-its-kinds achievement as the past entries used to be on a wild card basis
From a small hamlet nestled in the heart of North East India to a tale about taking an unknown world by storm, Manoj Kami has become a man to be reckoned with in athletics. With a passion for sports that burnt bright from a young age, Manoj’s journey is one of perseverance, determination, and an unyielding spirit that has propelled him to the top of his game. Today, he stands tall as a shining example of what one can achieve with hard work, dedication, and an unwavering belief in oneself.
The first image returns to Sikkim, a place (in India’s North East) known for its serene landscape, stunning mountains, and breathtaking natural scenery. It is one of India’s most sparsely populated states, making it not exactly the ideal location to step into a sport supported by mentors and associations. Although, with several peaks exceeding 20,000 feet in elevation, it served as the perfect space for Kami to train and prepare for expeditions that would be the foundation of his physical attributes.
But trying times test us the most, and Manoj’s journey to success hasn’t been one without its share of setbacks. In his initial years in the East, where resources and opportunities for an athlete were scarce, to say the least, the boy had to rely on his love and determination for the track to keep believing in his passion.
One of the biggest challenges Manoj faced was a growing financial constraint. Coming from a family with modest means, he didn’t have the right playground to test his skills, let alone equipment and gear. Yet, he leveraged that with his talent to develop training techniques that test his strength, endurance, and everything in between to date.
It’s like looking at a field being plowed until it is ready to take the seed. What Kami was doing then would harvest a story that became the inspiration for countless young athletes hailing from lesser-known regions. He has faced injuries and disappointments along the way and has spent both time and effort to overcome those challenges in a way everyone can tackle headfirst now.
“I played at the school and state level and was selected for the Bright Future Athletic Club under coach R.B. Subba,” says Kami.
His professional recognition started when he was first spotted by his coach, Mr. Ram Bahadur Subba, during the 1st Inter School Junior Olympic Games 2020, organized by the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Sikkim. Then, he was a bright-eyed kid with the enthusiasm you’d expect from a newcomer. However, he turned out to be a surprise for everyone when he pocketed the silver medal in 400m and 1500m in no time. This led to his induction into Bright Future Athletic Club, Ranka.
He went on to prove his grit by getting selected under the merit category for the KIYG, 2023, a first-of-its-kind draft that steered away from the wild card process. Manoj justified this entry by clinching the gold in the 3000m with a timing of 08:36:41 and putting Sikkim on the map.
But Manoj Kami’s rise in athletics goes a little farther than the conventional tale of potential. It can easily be noticed that his running track wasn’t a straight one, to begin with. Hailing from Sikkim, Manoj faced stereotypes at every level with experience that hardly matched his peers.
Therefore, when given the opportunity in the Khelo India State Centre of Excellence at Gangtok, Manoj took it up a notch with planned training, sports science facilities, and better infrastructure. This helped him hone his natural skills and improve his performance, which has been evident in his recent runs.
“I won two silver medals in the 1500m and 5000m races at the 2nd Northeast Olympic Games 2022 held in Shillong, Meghalaya. I also won a gold medal in the 3000m race with a timing of 08:36:41 at the Khelo India State Centre of Excellence in Gangtok, where,” continues Manoj Kami. These wins are now a testament to what Indian athletes can achieve with the right facilities and encouragement.
Training and preparation are crucial components of an athlete’s success, and Manoj Kami is no exception. Despite growing up in a small village with limited resources, it’s Manoj’s consistency that led him to where he stands today.
Manoj started his athletic journey by participating in school-level competitions, where he displayed a natural talent for running. He soon realized that if he wanted to pursue athletics seriously, he needed proper training and coaching.
To prepare for these competitions, Manoj had to maintain a strict training schedule that included daily workouts, a balanced diet, and ample rest. He would wake up at 5 am every day and start his training with a warm-up session, followed by rigorous running drills and exercises. His workouts would typically last for 3-4 hours, during which he would focus on improving his speed, endurance, and technique. Manoj also received psychological training to help him stay focused and motivated during these meets.
In addition to physical training, Manoj had to pay attention to his diet and nutrition. He maintained a strict plan that included high-protein foods, such as eggs, chicken, and fish, along with plenty of fruits and vegetables, avoiding junk food, sugary drinks, and alcohol, which could negatively impact his performance. This someone turned out to be more taxing than the endless hours at the track.
To ensure adequate rest and recovery, Manoj would take short naps during the day and get a minimum of 8 hours of sleep at night. He also received regular massages and therapy to prevent injuries and improve his flexibility. With a 3-step approach, Kami’s training and preparation have been instrumental in his success as an athlete, proving that with determination and hard work, anything is possible.
But, it was Manoj’s coach, Mr. Subba, who changed his trajectory completely. Currently the Head Coach of Khelo India State Centre of Excellence, Mr. Subba has himself seen the International South Asian bronze at Colombo in 2006. His National gold and All India Police gold medals give him the authority he needs on the track and the respect he deserves off it.
It was Mr. Subba who recognized Manoj’s talent and potential early on to give him the guidance and support he needed to succeed. Under his tutelage, Manoj could compete at the highest level while facing such pressures that only a few face in their lifetimes.
The Khelo India Scheme has also played a significant role in Manoj’s success. It provided him with the resources and infrastructure he needed to train and compete at the National level. Without the scheme’s support, Manoj might not have had the opportunity to showcase his talent and win gold. The scheme opened doors for many young athletes like Manoj, who might have otherwise been overlooked or underfunded.
But Manoj’s victory is not just a personal achievement. It is also a source of inspiration for many young athletes who dream of being a name to remember in the field of sports. His story is a testament to the saying that hard work beats background every single time. He has worked tirelessly to achieve his dreams and has built a consistency that can only be seen as a beacon of hope in his community. Manoj’s family has been a great source of support for him throughout his journey. His parents have been his biggest fans, and they have encouraged him to pursue his passion for athletics.
When we talk about breaking stereotypes and defying the odds, Kami’s wins have shattered the myth that athletes from smaller states like Sikkim cannot compete with the best. He has proven that talent knows no boundaries and that with the right support and infrastructure, athletes from any part of the country can achieve greatness.
Although, Manoj’s journey is far from over. He has his sights set on bigger goals, such as representing India at international events and bringing home more medals for his country. With his determination, his mentor, and the support of the Khelo India Scheme, he is well on his way to achieving these and much more.
As an accomplished athlete, Manoj Kami always has valuable advice for aspiring athletes who may look up to him as a role model. He encourages them to build a routine and stay focused on their end goal. Manoj advises working around any environment to stay committed to training. He believes that discipline and perseverance are the keys to success in any sport. Manoj also emphasizes the importance of setting realistic goals and developing an actionable plan to achieve them.
For aspiring athletes who are facing obstacles or setbacks, Manoj encourages them to keep pushing through and to stay positive. He believes that a positive mindset can make all the difference. Manoj also advises young athletes to seek out mentors and coaches who can offer guidance and support, just like he did.
Apart from this, Manoj offers inspiration through his own story of overcoming adversity. He hopes his journey will inspire young aspirants to believe in themselves, regardless of their origin.
Manoj also emphasises the importance of giving back to the community and using his platform to be a stepping stone for others. He regularly participates in community events and offers his time and expertise to help other athletes in his space. Manoj believes that by sharing his story and offering his support, he can help inspire the next generation to achieve their greatness.
