In a heartening development from Assam, a young athlete supported by the Indian Army has earned a coveted spot at the national level. Ayushman Mahanta, a special child receiving care and training at the Army-run ASHA Rehabilitation Centre in Guwahati's Narengi Military Station, has been selected to participate in the Athletics Championship National Trial.
From Nagaon to National Stage: Ayushman's Sporting Journey
Ayushman Mahanta, hailing from Assam's Nagaon district, is set to represent his state in the sub-junior category. He will compete in the fiercely contested 100 metre and 200 metre sprint events. The national trials are scheduled to take place in February in New Delhi, marking a significant milestone in his athletic career.
His association with the ASHA Centre began in July 2024. It was here that the dedicated coaches identified his latent potential and keen interest in sports, setting him on a path of structured training and development.
A Meteoric Rise Through Competitions
Ayushman's competitive journey officially commenced in October 2024 through events organized by the Special Olympics Bharat (SOB), Assam chapter. He quickly made his mark by securing podium finishes in these initial competitions, which laid a solid foundation for his subsequent rapid progress.
The year 2025 proved to be a landmark period for the young sprinter. He clinched gold medals in both the 100 metres and 200 metres at two major state events: Khel Maharan 2.0 and the Assam Para Sports Meet, which was organized by the Paralympic Association of Assam. His medal haul continued at other state-level meets, where he won gold and silver medals in various sprint and relay events.
The Army's Role in Nurturing Talent
An official statement from the defence PRO highlighted the synergistic support system behind Ayushman's success. "With regular training at Special Olympics Bharat facilities and focused coaching at Narangi Military Station through the Army-run ASHA Rehabilitation Center, Ayushman progressed from grassroots participation to national-level selection," the statement read.
This selection underscores the pivotal role played by the Army's ASHA Centre in empowering and supporting children through the medium of sports, providing them with opportunities to excel and build confidence.
Drawing inspiration from the late former President of India, Ayushman often cites the words of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam: "Excellence is a continuous process, not an accident." His journey stands as a testament to this philosophy, demonstrating how sustained effort, proper guidance, and institutional support can unlock extraordinary potential.
