45.40 seconds. That’s the new record set by the 105-year-old Rambai in 100m at the inaugural National Open Masters Athletics Championships – conducted by the Athletics Federation of India – that concluded in Vadodara on Sunday.
“It’s a great feeling and I want to race again,” said the grand old lady of Indian athletics who clinched a golden double in sprints – the 100m on June 15 and 200m on Sunday in 1 minute, 52.17 seconds. Her next target is to take part in international tournaments. She is planning to apply for a passport.
Asked why she didn’t compete at a much younger age, the centurion from Haryana laughed: “Main to taiyar thi. Lekin, mere ko koi mauka hi nahi diya, (I was ready to run but no one gave me a chance).”