Bahadur Prasad

In the 1990s, when Indian athletics struggled for global recognition, Bahadur Prasad, a middle-distance running champion hailing from the small town of Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh, emerged as a beacon of hope. Born on September 1, 1965, his remarkable talent and unbeatable national records earned him a place among India's most celebrated athletes of the era.

Prasad specialized in the 1500m and 5000m events. On June 27, 1992, at a meet in Birmingham, UK, Prasad set a national record in the 5000 meters with a time of 13:29.70. This record stood unbroken for three decades, underscoring his exceptional performance. Later, on December 23, 1995, during the South Asian Games in Chennai, he established a national record in the 1500 meters, clocking 3:38.00—a record that remained for 23 years.

Prasad represented India in the 5000 meters at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, recording a time of 13:50.71 in the heats. He also competed in the 1500 meters at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, finishing eighth in his heat with a time of 3:46.16. At the Asian level, Prasad showcased his prowess by securing gold medals in the 1500 meters at the 1989 Asian Championships in New Delhi and in the 5000 meters at the 1993 Asian Championships in Manila. He also earned silver medals in the 5000 meters in 1989 and the 1500 meters in 1993.

One of Bahadur Prasad's most remarkable feats was his dominance in the national athletics circuit. He won multiple national championships, setting records that stood unchallenged for years. In recognition of his contributions to Indian athletics, Prasad was awarded the Arjuna Award in 1992. Decades later, his enduring legacy was celebrated with the Hero Unsung Champion Award at the Sportstar North Sports Conclave in 2022.

While his achievements on the track were commendable, Prasad's legacy goes beyond his medals. He became a symbol of hope for aspiring runners in India, showcasing the potential of Indian athletes on the global stage. His efforts laid the groundwork for future talents like Jinson Johnson and Avinash Sable, who continue to carry the torch for middle and long-distance running in India.