Jagdalpur, March 31 -- In a remarkable display of determination, Suraj Mashi clinched the silver medal in the men's 5000m event at the Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG), competing despite wearing borrowed spikes.

According to a release, Suraj is also part of a group of tribal athletes who can't really afford to pay for a coach every month and have to rely on whatever help they can get to improve their performance, as running is the only skill that has brought them this far and can one day change their lives for the better.

"The coaching fee is Rs 4000 per month. I can't afford it. I stay on rent in Nashik to study and have to pay rent, which I earn from running in races in Maharashtra and Gujarat. So I train by myself and seek advice from...