VADODARA: Lakshita Shandilya, 18, first came into limelight last year when she won two silver medals at ISF World School Gymnasiad in France. On Wednesday, the middle-distance runner showed that she has taken another big step in the world of athletics, winning the gold medal in 1500m in the Asian Under-20 Athletics Championship in South Korea.
Daughter of a taxi driver, Vinod, the Vadodara girl has battled financial constraints to keep her dream on track. Vinod’s income is barely enough to make ends meet.
Raising funds for his talented daughter’s training has been a huge challenge.
“Athletics is expensive as Lakshita needs professional training, quality shoes and a good physio too. After witnessing her spectacular performances and the will to succeed, some NGOs have extended a helping hand. Even her coach Rippandeep Randhwana supported Lakshita a lot,” Vinod had told TOI some months back. Lakshita thanked her coach, parents and all supporters after winning the Asian gold.
“We are very proud of her. She had been practising hard for this tournament so we were confident that she would bring amedal,” Vinod told TOI on Thursday.

Lakshita took off the start line with confidence and was lagging for a few seconds in the second position, but soon overtook the girl ahead of her and sprinted past the finish line.
Lakshita considers former athlete PT Usha as her idol.
“I learnt a lot by just watching her videos. I dream to participate in the Olympics and win a medal for my country,” she had earlier told TOI.
In that interview, Lakshita said she started training for athletics only in her teens.
“It started when I was 14. I used to play hockey initially but one of my relatives, who is a sports coach, suggested that I take up an individual sport. I enjoy running, so it was an choice,” said the BBA student.