Self-Taught Suraj Mashi Wins 5000m Silver Wearing Borrowed Spikes

Raipur, March 2026 : Suraj lives in Nashik and manages his training expenses from the prize money earned by participating in 2–3 races every month.

To take part in the Khelo India Tribal Games, he had to borrow spikes from a fellow runner.

Suraj and some of his companions are often seen carefully watching senior athletes train on the athletics track in Nashik. The only difference is that they are not just watching, but trying to understand every small and big detail and apply it in their own training. Suraj is part of a group of tribal athletes who cannot afford to pay monthly coaching fees and depend on whatever help they receive to improve their performance. Running is his greatest skill, which has brought him this far and could one day change his life.

Suraj said, “The coaching fee is ₹4000 per month, which I cannot afford. I live on rent in Nashik for my studies, and I pay the rent from the prize money I earn by participating in races in Maharashtra and Gujarat. So I train on my own and whenever I get stuck, I take advice from seniors or coaches from the tribal department.” With this approach, Suraj succeeded in winning the silver medal in the men’s 5000 metre race at the Khelo India Tribal Games athletics competition.

Suraj uses training facilities by paying only ₹300 per month and practices in second-hand shoes and spikes. His spikes were badly worn out, so he had to borrow a pair from a fellow runner to compete in this event. Coming from a small village in Mokhada taluka of Palghar district, Suraj’s life is a story of struggle and self-reliance. Belonging to the Warli tribe, he is the son of a daily wage labourer and the first son born after four sisters. He has been self-dependent since childhood. He started running while studying in a government residential school.

His interest in running began during a school sports event and since then it has become the support of his life. When Suraj was in Class 10, his mother was seriously injured after a fall at home and is now unable to walk. Last year, one of his elder sisters passed away, and his three younger brothers look up to him for guidance and support. After completing school, Suraj moved to Nashik to continue his studies and sports, but living in the city and supporting his family remains a constant challenge.

He said, “By participating in local competitions and cross-country races, I earn around ₹3000 to ₹5000 every month. From that, I save some money to send to my father and manage my studies, training and other needs.”

Suraj, who will turn 19 this June, also tried to secure a job in the police department after turning 18. He cleared most physical tests but missed selection due to not meeting the required distance in shot put. While getting a job remains his priority, Suraj believes that his performance in the Khelo India Tribal Games will bring positive changes to his life. He added that the Maharashtra government also provides cash rewards to medal winners of the Games.