For Asha, days of agony over

For Asha, days of agony over
EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE

New Delhi, July 6: The days of agony are over for Asha Aggarwal. The 37-year-old marathon runner, who had been fighting for her rights for the last 10 years, has been elevated to the post of Assistant Director, Delhi Administration.

``Although my file was pending with the government for almost five years, Director of Education (Delhi Government) and my Delhi University coach SS Kapoor fully supported me through my days of travail. My fight for the just cause has finally borne fruit,'' she said, her face brightening with relief.

Forced to undergo such mental tension because of the apathy shown by the authorities, Asha Aggarwal had almost given up her first love -- marathon. ``I slowly started losing interest as all my energy was taken up in fighting the case,'' she said, although she participated and won the Rath Marathon (over 35 years) last year.

``The new appointment has given me a fresh lease of life and has encouraged me to take up the discipline seriously once again. I will now prepare myself for the Asian Veterans Marathon to be held in India later this year,'' a confident-looking Asha said.

The news of Asha Aggarwal's `promotion' was greeted with cheers at Delhi University where she practises regularly even now. Asha Aggarwal had quit her job in the Railways to join Delhi Administration as supervisor in 1990.

A former Delhi University athlete, Asha Aggarwal was a successful marathon runner, having represented the country in 10-15 international meets. He was a national marathon champion for 10 long years. Among her international achievements were the gold medals she won in the Asian Track and Field Meet at Jakarta in 1985, Hong Kong international Marathon (1985) and Port of Spain Marathon in 1986.