Srinagar, Oct 25 (HS): Shivam Kumar, 21, a runner from Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh who was born without hands, took part in the third edition of the Kashmir Marathon in Srinagar on Sunday and inspired many.

Speaking to media after the race, Shivam said he completed the 21-km half marathon in one hour and 45 minutes. “I have never thought that I cannot do anything because I have no hands. It doesn’t matter if I don’t have hands, but I work with full effort and hard work to achieve my targets,” he said.

Shivam said he has been practising for about four years, solely for this purpose. He said he trains with his coach, Bhupendra Kumar, who gives him very good training, and that this is how he has reached this level.

Asked whether he would like to represent India in international marathons and major races, Shivam said he is preparing for it. “I haven’t reached that level yet, but I hope that in the next two to three years I will be ready for international marathons and the Asian Games, and I will definitely represent India,” he said.

Asked whether the Government of India has contacted him in this regard, he said no one has so far. He said he has won gold medals at the state level three times and is a national player.

In his message to the marathon and its participants, he said: “Everyone who has come, everyone should contribute. I liked it

very much. Going forward as well, do not demotivate yourselves. Keep yourselves as motivated as possible and work with more hard work and passion to achieve your targets.”

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah flagged off the third edition of the Kashmir Marathon on Sunday. Large numbers of runners from across the country and abroad took part.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Zahoor Hussain Bhat