National Games 2023: Mayank Chapekar, triumphs amid adversity

Overcoming injury and achieving glory at the National Games 2023

"Mayank Chapekar, a native of Kalwa, Thane, Maharashtra, made history as India's first Modern Pentathlon athlete to participate in the 2023 Asian Games. However, during the event in Hangzhou, China, he suffered an injury when an epee sword pierced his shin bone. This unfortunate incident forced him to retire midway through the Laser Run event on Thursday.

Nevertheless, the 23-year-old athlete demonstrated his dominance on the domestic circuit by winning gold medals in the Men's Individual Triathlete, Men's Group Triathlete, and Mixed Relay Triathlete events at the National Games 2023 in Ponda on Friday.

Triathlete is a sub-sport within the Modern Pentathlon discipline, where athletes must complete 5x600m laps of running, swim 4x50m laps, and shoot a laser gun at a target from a 10m distance.

Chaphekar, who was enduring sharp pain in his leg, remarked, "Due to my injury, I couldn't perform at 100% today. However, I was extremely determined to secure the gold medal, especially after my disappointing performance in the Laser-Run yesterday.

"This victory holds special significance for me, as it marked the first time my mother had the opportunity to watch me compete live. After the race, all I could do was give her a tight hug."

Chaphekar's mother, Suvarna, couldn't contain her joy, stating, "I was in tears since yesterday because things didn't go well for Mayank. However, I am overjoyed that he managed to secure three Gold Medals for Maharashtra today. I get extremely nervous and tense when he competes. It feels like his event is my own."

When discussing how he copes with injuries, Chaphekar said, "I've faced my fair share of setbacks due to injuries, but it's a part of being a professional athlete. Daily meditation and reading the Bhagavad Gita have significantly helped me bounce back stronger from setbacks and maintain focus during competitions."