Rajesh Ramesh

Rajesh Ramesh is an Indian 400m and 4x400m relay athlete who has been part of India's record-breaking relay team. Born on March 28, 1999, in Tamil Nadu, Ramesh worked as a ticket checker at Trichy Railway Station at the age of 20. Balancing his job with athletics was challenging, as it initially seemed like a distraction from his track goals.

His life took a turn when he began participating in and winning competitions within India. His first national recognition came at the Federation Cup in Ranchi, where he won the 400m semifinals and met the qualifying mark set by the Athletics Federation of India for the Asian Championships. Despite facing injuries and the challenges posed by COVID-19, Ramesh remained committed to his goals.

At foreign competitions, Ramesh's discipline was remarkable. The 4 × 400m Indian relay team was able to take home various accolades and break new records with Ramesh being one of the players. They became the first Indian relay team ever to compete in the World Championship finals. Competing in Budapest, Hungary during the 2023 World Athletics Championship, they set a new Asian record of 2:59.05 seconds previously held by Japan with 2:59:51. 

After the record breaking Asian Championship 2023, Rajesh faced a very heavy cramp pain in his leg muscles due to which he could not become a part of the Indian Olympic 4*400 relay team, however, the team finished 6th in the final, narrowly missing a podium finish.

Ramesh’s story is impressive owing to him coming from very humble beginnings. He started his early career as a track coach, emigrating to the Indian Railways and finally becoming one of the leading names in the Indian athletics arena. Today, when Rajesh Ramesh is on the global representation of India, it is clear his odyssey is already inspirational and representative of hope to most young sportsmen that look at him in admiration. 

His story is a clear visual representation depicting that with hard work and passion one can rise from any place and be appreciated globally.