116-yr-old Indian farmer Dharmapal Gujjar 'sprints' to glory

Dharmapal Gujjar, a 116-year-old athlete from Uttar Pradesh, on Wednesday cleared 200 metres in 46.74 seconds at the 35th National Masters Athletic Championship here. Born on October 6, 1897, Gujjar was the only athlete in this category, as others were younger to him.

Hailing from Gudha village in Meerut District, Gujjar, farmer, said he was fit and had participated in many marathons across the country, including the one held in Kochi last year. He won the 400 metres on Tuesday here.

The 6 feet tall Gujjar credits his balanced diet and his own prepared chatni (out of herbs) for his longevity and healthy body. If age is considered and his claims supported by his Pan Card and Voter card believed true, he undoubtedly becomes the oldest person alive in the world.

Stating that his co-workers were helping him financially to participate in the event and at times also by providing food, he said he had not sought any financial help from the government. His only disappointment was that he was not able to represent India in international events, due to paucity of funds, Gujjar said.