Shillong, May 8: Lone Meghalaya runner Darisuk Kharwanlang shined at the 2nd Khelo Master Games Foundation National Championship held at New Delhi from April 30 to May 3, 2022.

Darisuk, 48, a mother of 8 children and a resident of Mawmluh in Sohra, bagged Silver Medal at the 100m relay race and a Bronze at 400m race.

“I love the sports, I have started playing since my school days and I have never stopped enjoying it… there are times I thought of giving up but the love of the game pushed me to not quit, but gives me hope and determination to keep on going,” said Darisuk while speaking to Hub News on reaching the city on Saturday.

“I have participated in many athletic tournaments, and won medals at Goa, Delhi and Guwahati,” she said.

“Our biggest setback as athletes in this State is the infrastructure, we lack sports facilities… wish the government set-up more facilities so we can practice and bring more laurels to the State,” lamented Darisuk. “My biggest disappointment was when we athletes seek governmental help, (but) they will ask us to fill-in a dozen applications yet we receive no help whatsoever.”

“…last year I was selected to participate in one International event at Malaysia, with so much hope and excitement I met the Sports Minister, he took my number and promised to get back to me with some help. Almost a year now, I have not received any calls from the Sports Minister nor the Sports Department… But like I said, I will not give up easily,” narrated Darisuk and optimistically said, “ (I) Will continue to work hard and encourage other athletes to work hard.”

With hope, determination and positivity, Darisuk the mother of 8 is gearing up for the next championship at Rajasthan to be held in the coming months.