The Walking Competition

 Our champion walkers of 2019 Christmas were absent this year and left the field open to some of our recent residents. Twenty residents signed up for the competition but on the day two of the regulars were absent and last years winner had a bad back! The competitors were not told that all the entrants would get 100 Rupees so that. and the numbers of elderly ladies, cut down the entrants too. It is amazing what the offer of money does!!

I asked  Lahu, the Awaas driver-cum -handiman, to bring 25 oranges from the market and I armed myself with a register to note down the number of rounds of the jogging track completed as each person passed me sitting with the oranges. I was willing to help any entrants who were not sure if they could manage to track but this year there were no beginners needing my arm!

Mr Deshpande was the first to report at the trackside and was eager to start at 4pm. He was joined by Sainath, Vilasji and Mr Panjabi.  two ladies, Leela and Pushpa joined the group. 

Mr Shabir meditated, using a string of beads in his hand while he walked.  Mr Sudakar, a new resident, who was a fitness instructor with the military, started half an hour later than the early walkers but flew around the track with his age and fitness advantage. He just surpassed Mr Deshpande's 39 rounds by two circuits  and was declared the winner. 

 I was informed that 5 rounds of the track was equivalent to one kilometre.  

 The first three will receive a prize. 

All entrants will be rewarded for entering the competition!