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Girls from villages are undergoing tough practice in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi District to hone their skills in athletics after being inspired by the recent Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games. Nilu Mishra, a former national athlete, is training the young aspirants. "I have observed that since past two to three years when the Olympics had happened and recently Commonwealth Games happened, several guardians have come from neighbouring districts asking me to train their girls. They want to send their girls in sports field. They (girls) want to make a career in sports," said Mishra. Girls have come out of the rural homes to get better training facilities hoping to represent India and win a medal for the country. "Earlier when I used to see P.T. Usha as the fastest runner, I was inspired by her. I always saw her on television and this prompted me to be an athlete and now I am confident of surely winning a medal for India ," said Shakuntala Patel, a young athlete. Sunita Pal, another trainee, is confident of donning the national colours since she has been practicing hard for the past seven months. "I dream of representing India . Last year, I went to play in the All India University and was placed fourth in the competition, but this time, I am confident that I will win a medal," said Pal.

Commonwealth Games, Asiad inspires girls to hone their skills in athletics