Sports
75-Year-Old Sikh-Kiwi Shines in Auckland Marathon: Balbir Singh Basra
HANNAH MORRIS
Balbir Singh Basra gets up at 2 am on Auckland Marathon day.
The 75-year-old from Glenfield on Auckland's North Shore spends an hour praying before spending time with his children and grandchildren and getting ready for the 42 kilometre race.
It's been a family affair for Balbir Singh’s family since he decided to give it a go three years ago.
"Everyone gets up to support him. We make his breakfast, drive him in, and cheer him over the finish line," son Gurdip Singh said.
He said it's unusual in India for the elderly to take up this kind of sport, though not uncommon amongst Sikhs in Punjab and around the globe, wherever they live.
"He's inspiring others like him to keep fit and stay healthy," he said.
Originally from Punjab, Balbir Singh moved with his family to New Zealand 15 years ago.
Balbir has become an identity in Auckland's Sikh community for his efforts not only in the marathon but walking for miles every day.
"He gets recognised everywhere he goes - he is quite distinctive though, I guess," said Gurdip, who says people often ask for selfies with him.
Although his spoken English is limited it's not hard to understand why Balbir loves running.
"Health is God's gift. I must make the most of that," he said.
He's a vegetarian and has never smoked or drunk alcohol in his life.
"Being in the outdoors is good, it's healthy."
Gurdip said they are considering taking up an invitation to compete in the New York Marathon.
The Auckland Marathon was held on Sunday, November 2, 2014.
[Courtesy: North Shore Times. Edited for sikhchic.com]
November 3, 2014
Conversation about this article
1: Baldev Singh (Bradford, United Kingdom), November 03, 2014, 8:54 PM.
Yes, let's have some more! Lean running machines with pure mind, body and spirit exactly as the Khalsa movement intended 315 years ago!