Purulia's Gangadhar to Represent India in National Cross Country Despite Poverty

• Gangadhar Mahato from Purulia, West Bengal, will represent the state in the 60th National Cross Country competition in Ranchi, Jharkhand.
• He will compete in the two-kilometer race at Prabhat Tara Maidan on January 24.
• Despite extreme poverty, including not owning sports shoes and sustaining on rice gruel, Gangadhar has achieved national-level selection.
• His mother, Fuchi Mahato, works as a day laborer to support the family.
• The State Athletics Association requires athletes to cover all expenses for the competition, posing a significant challenge for Gangadhar's family.

Why It Matters: Purulia's Gangadhar Mahato overcomes extreme poverty to compete nationally in cross country.