Daughter of a farmer, UP's Babli Verma to showcase athletic prowess at Khelo India University Games

A young woman with ambitious dreams on her mind, who would travel by bus every single day from her village in Barabanki to Lucknow's KD Singh Babu Stadium for her training, has achieved a praiseworthy feat today.

Babli Verma, a representative of Ayodhya's Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University, has qualified for Khelo India University Games 2022. She will be participating in the 3000 m steeplechase, an obstacle race in athletics.

The daughter of a humble farmer, Babli is taking forward her state's name whilst showcasing her athletic prowess in the national-level games.

Coming from a rudimentary environment, Babli is a living example of the fact that 'talent does not need any recognition'. With minimal resources or amenities, the young athlete persevered in her small village ground. She is a first-year MA student and is currently training in Ooty.

However, her ambitions are even higher. Babli Verma is not only determined to win a medal in the Khelo India University Games-2022 but also desires to work harder and play for India one day.

Her interest developed and progressed after she was inspired by Asian Games gold medalist, Olympian steeplechaser athlete Padma Shri Sudha Singh. The athlete was so inspired, and with the right guidance by coaches of KD Singh Babu Stadium, she travelled to and fro daily for training.

Babli Verma has also won various tournaments and meets her training expenses with the prize money. She also secured first position in the 6 km cross country organised by Khelo India in Lucknow recently.