New Delhi: Age is just a number, the age-old adage seems to be true, particularly in the world of sports. Ex-Army officer, Captain Babban Ram has proved it right by becoming a sporting sensational at the age of 65. Babban Ram, a resident of Sadhopur village in Ghazipur district of Uttar Pradesh, shone at the National Masters Sports and Games Championship, bagging an impressive 9 medals across various sporting events.
Babban Ram took part in multiple sporting events in the recently concluded 3rd National Masters Sports and Games Championship in Nashik, Maharashtra and returned home with 9 medals, including 3 gold, creating waves across his village. The Army veteran produced one of the best performances of his post-retirement athletics career to take the competition by storm.
Babban Ram won a total of three gold, three silver and three bronze medals in the competition to leave others in awe of his fitness and skills at 65. The Army veteran won gold medals in men’s 100m freestyle swimming, 100m backstroke swimming and 110m hurdle race. He clinched a silver medal in men’s 50m breaststroke swimming while bagging bronze medals in men’s discus throw, triple jump and long jump.
The ex-Army officer was honoured by the organisers with two silver medals separately for taking part in as many as seven sporting events in the competition. Babban Ram, who started competing in the 65-plus age group category in master athletics, called his 9 medal-winning feat at the competition as his best-ever sporting performance.
Served in the Indian Army for 30 years
Babban Ram served in the Indian Army for 30 years. He joined the Army in 1979 and retired in 2009. His love for athletics and motivation to stay fit despite his growing age inspired him to pursue a career in athletics after retirement. The 65-year-old has so far won a total of 13 medals in his 3-year-long sporting career in various events across the nation.
15 years after retirement, Babban Ram still follows the Army routine
Babban Ram had earlier revealed he continues to follow the same routine as he did while serving in the Army despite having retired 15 years back. The Army veteran still wakes at 4 every day and does Yoga among other physical activities to keep himself fit. He believes time management is the key to enjoying optimum fitness even at his age.
“I served in the Indian army for 30 years. Till date there is no change in my daily routine,” said Babban Ram, stressing on the importance of following a strict daily routine.
