Australian Masters Games: Parag Patil clinches five medal in marquee event

[[{“value”:”

Cab driver Parag Patil, a Masters athlete, has delivered on the promise he made to mid-day on Sept 4. Before heading for the Australian Masters Games in Canberra (Oct 18 to 25), Patil was cash-strapped and couldn’t afford the travel and stay but after this newspaper published his story, Mumbai’s generosity came shining through and he received the funds for his travel. A grateful Patil promised to deliver at least four medals and make India proud. And he has delivered.

Patil, 46, a track and field athlete, won a medal in each of the five events he participated in — gold in long jump and triple jump, a silver in 60m and bronze in 100m and 200m. Patil, who plies his cab for Ola and Uber across Mumbai and inter-city, secured the gold medal in long jump, silver in the 60m silver and bronze in the 100m dash on October 18, followed by a bronze in 200m on October 19 and another gold in the triple jump gold on October 20. Having participated in six international Masters events around the globe prior to this, Patil has now taken his overall medal tally to 22 (four gold, twelve silver, and six bronze medals).

Parag Patil during the long jump event at the Australian Masters Games in Canberra recently 

‘Moment of immense pride’

The Badlapur resident is overjoyed. “From the start, I had made a commitment to bring home four medals for India. I didn’t commit to whether it’ll be a gold, silver or bronze medal, but ending up with a medal in each and every event I participated in is a moment of immense pride and happiness for me and my country,” Patil told mid-day from Canberra.

“My family is very happy, but more importantly, my driver community is very excited and proud. They are waiting to give me a grand reception when I return,” 
added Patil.

Parag Patil with his triple jump gold medal in Canberra

Knee, hamstring injuries

However, he could’ve done better, he felt. “Most of my time went in gathering funds. Had there been fewer stresses, I would’ve enjoyed more and performed better. What I’ve achieved is good for the amount of training I did. But, I jerked my knee while taking off on my first jump in the long jump event on the first day and it affected my performance slightly. Later, in the 60m run, I suffered a hamstring pull as well, due to which I considered quitting the 200m run on the following day. But I convinced myself to start the 200m, and once I did, I somehow gathered the will to finish the race,” Patil explained.

Unfortunately though, while Patil has secured the medals he aimed for, he has exhausted his funds and is struggling to purchase his return air ticket yet.

“I don’t want to be dependent on the people I am staying with for too long as it’s a lot of expense. I am still searching for a return flight ticket and another place to stay. I had come with $100 to spend, I have only $30-40 left with me currently which I use when I eat out of the house. At home, I am getting good food to eat but the moment I step out, due to shortage of funds, I have to think whether I should eat something or just have a coffee and make do,” he signed off.

22
Parag Patil’s total medals at all Masters events

“}]]