Ashwini, Tania participate in Wings for Life World Marathon

Sonepat: Top woman shuttler Ashwin Ponappa and WGM Tania Sachdev today took part in the `Wings for Life` World Marathon competition that was flagged off from Sonepat in Haryana. For both Ashwini and Tania, it was their first tryst with marathon and both seemed equally excited to be a part of a very noble cause.

The proceeds from the event will go to `Wings for Life` -- a foundation that is carrying out research to find a cure for spinal cord related injuries. "It`s an amazing feeling to take part in the marathon. I don`t know how long I will be running but it will be an unique experience for me. I had been so busy with my playing scheduke that I have never been able to find time to participate in any marathon events earlier. I hope it`s a memorable first for me," said Ashwini, who recently won women`s doubles bronze in the Asian Badminton Championship pairing with Jwala Gutta. Asked about how much has the bronze helped, Ashwini said,"It came at the right time for us. It will give us a lot of confidence going into Uber Cup. Also it will be a great confidence booster for me an Jwala ahead of the Commonwealth Games". For Tania, it will be a first of its kind experience as she has always avoided running due to a "weak ankle" which prevented her from taking part in running activities. "Since I am into a mindsport, I need to stay physically and mentally very active. For that I do a lot of meditation and now after extensive physiotherapy, I am able to put pressure on my ankle. I would be happy, if I could last half an hour," the poster girl of women`s chess in India said.