Coimbatore: A state-level runner from Tamil Nadu, who has four gold medals to her credit, is selling tea in order to earn a living and raise her family and three children.
45-year-old, A Kalaimani, had participated in national and state level Masters Athletics events.
"There is no help from government for sportspersons. I earn Rs. 400-500 per day from the tea shop to run my family," A Kalaimani told news agency ANI.
Even as A Kalaimani responsibilities don't allow her to run full time, she doesn't miss her morning workout session and runs for 21 kilometres every day as part of her practice. She is participating in 41-km marathons with her team 'Phoenix Runners'.
A Kalaimani has studied up to Class 10 and participated in kabaddi and athletics events during her school days.
She said, "I had approached the banks for loans but they refused to give. Hence, I took help from my friend for financial support to participate in national events."
(With inputs from ANI)
