Seraikela athlete Shobha Mahato to represent India at Laser Run World Championship

Mail News Service

Seraikela, May 10: In a remarkable feat, Shobha Mahato from Seraikela-Kharsawan district has secured a place in the Indian national team for the upcoming “Laser Run World Championship” to be held in Jinghua, China on June 7. This achievement comes after her outstanding performance at the 8th National Modern Pentathlon Competition held in Amravati, Maharashtra, where she represented her district in the laser run event and proudly hoisted the flag.

Hailing from the remote rural area of Shoshomali in Rajnagar block, 27-year-old Shobha Mahato has shown exceptional talent and versatility in sports. Despite hailing from a modest background, she has excelled in various disciplines, including cross country running, where she secured third place in the 15th Jharkhand State Cross Country Competition and ranked 60th in the women’s category 10 km race at the 58th National Cross Country Competition held in Gaya, Bihar.

Notably, Shobha Mahato is also a proficient karate practitioner, showcasing her multifaceted sporting abilities. However, her journey to international representation has been marred by financial constraints. Despite earning through her participation in cross country competitions, she lacks the necessary funds, approximately Rs 2 lakh, to acquire a passport, thereby hindering her participation in the forthcoming championship.

Acknowledging her talent and determination, Sikandar Mahato, President of the Seraikela-Kharsawan District Modern Pentathlon Association, expressed concern over the logistical challenges faced in arranging the required funds and documentation, particularly amidst the ongoing election atmosphere. Shobha Mahato’s rapid ascent to the national team within a short span highlights her immense potential and the need for support to realize her dreams on the international stage.