India, Oct. 9 -- Resources can be borrowed or bought, but the belief to keep running has to be built from within.

Gurvindervir Singh, a 25-year-old sprinter from Patial village near Bhogpur in Punjab, won bronze in the 100 metres at the Asian Games in Nagoya. For two to three years, he trained in torn spike shoes because his family could not afford new ones. He was told Indians were not suited to the 100 metres, and even his father suggested he change events. He did not. He went on to become the first Indian to run under 10.10 seconds, clocking 10.09 at the Federation Cup in Ranchi. After he shared his struggles on social media, support came from people around the world.

Asked why he never changed his event, he said, "My coaches never t...