“A genuine athlete is someone who improves his or her intellect and physique to serve the nation and make the world a better place,” we think.

In a range of professions, including publishing, technology, fashion, sports, radio, cosmetics, and more, women are establishing themselves as household names. Today, we’re speaking with a lady who has forged her own route ahead, standing up for the beliefs she finds acceptable and achieving incredible success.

Anuradha Biswal is an Odisha-based track and field athlete who specializes in the 100-meter hurdles. She currently holds the national record for the 100 m hurdles with a time of 13.38 seconds.  Anuradha established the record on August 26, 2002, at the Nehru Stadium in Delhi, during the DDA-Raja Bhalendra Singh National Circuit meet. She broke her personal Asian championships mark of 13.40 seconds set on July 30, 2000, in Jakarta. Her effort in Jakarta earned her a bronze medal. She is the first lady Olympian of Odisha. She is from Balasore and later moved to Rourkela, where she started her sports career.

Being a sports person how is it difficult to manage your field life and personal life?

I would say being a woman is too difficult. And I thank god for a very supportive family, especially my husband who has been the pillar to me. I think nothing is possible without family support. It is too difficult managing office, home, other activities too. I never let myself feel anything very much challenging yet I try to solve it.

Could you please elaborate, on when did you plan to get into sports?

I had never played sports in my childhood, though both my parents were players so I think that sports etiquette was somewhere there in my blood. I was very notorious in my school days, I used to fight, I used to run here and there. So I think these were the activities that showed how active I was.

Being a mother, being a wife, being a daughter-in-law, has anyway sports life affected your personal life?

I would say post marriage things are very different for a girl. My in-laws are too supportive. My official staff of NALCO has also cooperated with me. To do something big we need to sacrifice, we need to work hard forgetting something. I still remember my daughter was unable to recognize me when I was back from Ukraine, from training. Things hurt, but when it’s about country we need to make ourselves strong.

You have been setting a trademark for being an athlete how do you manage your fame?

I think my fame is not for my name, it’s because of my talent. I feel every single individual has their talent they just need to work on it and prove themselves. I heartily follow PT Usha Ji she was my role model after my mother. My mother has been extensively supportive in everything.

What will you address to all the upcoming newcomers?

Everyone is born with their talent, I would say first see the dream and then crack it. I feel a girl should be provided with a lot of support and strength because no matter what they are always at the top. The 3 mantras to success are Confidence, Dedication, and hard work if we excel in these 3 we can win the world.

Lastly, how do you feel about getting featured in the Interview times?

I feel very happy being a part of this conversation. I hope everyone brings their talent out to the world and excels.

INTERVIEWED BY- PRISITA DAS