Sawan Barwal: India’s ‘Golden Boy’ Shines at National Games
In a moment of immense pride for Himachal Pradesh, Sawan Barwal, a young athlete from Bhakhed (Ehju) village in Joginder Nagar, Mandi, has been crowned India’s ‘Golden Boy’ after his record-breaking performance at the 38th National Games in Dehradun.
Sawan’s incredible stamina and speed saw him clinch gold medals in both the 5000-meter and 10,000-meter races, setting two new national meet records in the process. His triumph has not only put his village on the national sports map but has also earned him a spot at the prestigious Asian Games in Korea.
Breaking Records, Making History
His coach, Gopal Thakur, beaming with pride, shared, “Sawan Barwal’s performance at the National Games has been phenomenal. He didn’t just win—he shattered records. His dedication and discipline have truly paid off.”
- In the 5000-meter race, Sawan clocked 13:45 minutes, breaking a ten-year-old record of 13:54 minutes.
- On February 8, he conquered the 10,000-meter race in 28:49.93 minutes, once again setting a new meet record.
A Star in the Making
With this spectacular feat, Sawan Barwal has established himself as one of India’s most promising long-distance runners. His journey from the hills of Himachal to the grand stage of the Asian Games is nothing short of inspiring. His story is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and an unbreakable spirit—qualities that truly define a champion.
As India celebrates its new ‘Golden Boy’, all eyes will now be on his performance at the Asian Games, where he aims to bring home more glory.
