STATE TIMES NEWS
KATRA: First time participant in the home UT of J&K, a lady doctor, Shalini Sharma, who hails from the holy town of Katra in district Reasi emerged ‘inspirational runner’ in the just concluded SMVD Katra Half Marathon.
She surprised many after finishing close to the title winner athlete with personal timings of 2:07:55. Title winner Rimpi Devi had a timings of 2:06:05.
Daughter of prominent wrestling promoter of J&K and former Joint Secretary of J&K Sports Council (JKSC), Shiv Kumar Sharma, Shalini, a Radiologist, presently serves with Mother and Child Hospital Gurugram in Haryana.
After finishing her 21 kilometer Half Marathon, the local runner was appreciated by one and all, especially after she become inspiration for the entire women fraternity of the town, which otherwise shows little interest in sports activities.
“I myself was surprised to find her finishing the distance so close to the title winner regular athlete. She has made the entire town feel proud of her sporting talent. Since sports in her blood, she has done something inspirational by becoming an active athlete at the age of 44 years,” said Shiv Kumar, who along with wife were at the venue to encourage the daughter. Had her schooling outside J&K, Dr Shalini went to Shishu Vidya School Katra as a young student. She did her MD from HN Hospital Mumbai.
Married to a prominent family of medicos in Jammu, Dr Shalini’s husband, Dr Amit Bushan Sharma, Cardiologist, is son of Dr Dharam Bushan Sharma and Dr Kum Kum Sharma.
“To stay fit, I took up running in a casual way. And, with the passage of time, it becomes a routine. The participation in Half Marathon at the home town of Katra has truly encouraged me to do more to achieve the desired results. I ask the women of my age to alter their routines and spare some time for themselves,” said Shalini Sharma.
