Tell us about your favorite pair of shoes, and where they’ve taken you.

Nagamalai is a hamlet located about 10 KM north-west of Madurai, Temple City. 

The year was 1985, and I was in school studying 12th.

About 15 thousand live in the village and there were two schools. Most of the parents here were either teachers or government employees.

My dad worked for the government. We all lived in a joint-family. My mom, dad, two brothers, a sister and my grandma shared a three-bed house. 

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The school I studied was so strict, and we had fun only when we had our physical education classes.

Come April-May, my school conducts an annual sports day. We all looked forward to the day. It was fun.

I was an athlete. I ran in those events as a sprinter. But the competition was too stiff.

On hearing about my talent for sports, my uncle who lived in Singapore sent me a runner’s shoe. It was a gift. An Adidas with spikes.

I just loved the pair. My favorite.

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When I practiced in those shoes, I felt I was just flying. But no prize for guessing why I couldn’t win a sprint event at school yet. 

That was when Pongal Day came. It was a harvesting day for people in Tamilnadu. 14th of January every year is a day for celebration. My village conducts sports day as part of a celebration. It usually lasts for a week.

My best bet would be running in the event. Win prizes. With my shoes on. 

Many in my village had no such expensive sprinter’s shoes. I should naturally win.

Prayed to god. 

The day came. Many were in attendance. My family were also there in the audience. Great atmosphere. Full of hope.

The organizers called us to gather on the tracks. It was a 200-meter sprint. 

Seven runners stood up. I opened my kit and took out those shining white shoes. Wore them on and did a quick warm-up on the sides.

Many in the audience looked at me and cheered. My family looked so proud already.

Shock came when the referee called me out and said: no shoes, please. Nobody is running in shoes, and what if those spikes hurt the other runners?

Oh, god! Not again! I cursed my luck.

My family looked aghast. The audience continued to jeer me. Some had supported the referee’s decision.

I was angry. How would I show the world that I won a sports event with my favorite shoes?

We were on the mark. My mind was still on the referee’s call. What on Earth did he do?

On your mark. Set. A brief pause.

And as soon as I heard the gun-shot I sprang into action. Shot in the lead from the word GO!

I ran barefoot. Picked up the pace. All the way. Up front by 50th meter.

75 meters up, I saw one closing in. He ran real quick. Took the lead. And another just got past me. 90 meters was up. 

We chased each other for 120 meters.

My mind raced back to my shoes. What if I had those pairs on? How would I be leading them by miles!

I heard my sister egging me on from the audience. Bro, run fast.

Now my mom. You’re doing well so far, beta. Imagine you still have those favorite shoes on, beta.

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That was when I felt a sudden rush of adrenaline in my body.

150 meters up. I picked up speed. My legs began to hurt me so badly.

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Come on! Don’t give up.

I sprang into a fierce pace. Ran like there’s no tomorrow. Closed in on the two now.

190 meters up. I lead now. A hop, step and jump, I touched the final line. Kissed the ribbons. Tripped, fell, rolled on the turf.

I won the sprint by milliseconds.

Whistles went up. The audience roared. My heart stopped. Couldn’t believe it. It was dark all around me.

I could feel the other runners patting me on the back and my family gathered. 

Everyone was cheering and congratulated me.

The referee came to me and said, Congrats! Sorry about the quick change of rules on shoes.

I still thanked my shoes. For the pair was on my mind all through the 200-meter sprint.

How would I thank god for giving me a win? Without my shoes on!

I shall carry this day in my mind. All my life.

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