Meet Hariharan: A Rising Star & an #ultramalaivasi from the Nilgiris 🌟
Hariharan was born in the serene village of Katary Dam in the Nilgiris. Growing up, life wasn’t always about running. It all began unexpectedly when his parents took him to a badminton court when he was just seven. “They took me there just for fun,” he says, “but it became the spark for my love for sports.”
The Beginning
Hariharan’s early years were filled with badminton matches, district tournaments, and dreams of making it big. Inspired by his coaches Prabu Sir and Kishore Sir, he worked hard to excel. But life had other plans.
Discovering Running
At 11, he participated in his first 3km marathon in Madurai, and something clicked. “I still remember the pride I felt that day,” he shares. Later, in 2019, he was the youngest participant in the Nilgiri Got Talent Marathon, running 26km from Doddabetta Peak to Kanneri Mukku Sullivan Library. “I met Mr. Vinod there. His encouragement helped me finish the race and dream bigger.”
Building Endurance
Weekends at his grandparents’ house became training grounds. “I would either cycle or run to meet them. It wasn’t planned, but it built my endurance.” Post-COVID, when badminton faded from his life, he turned to running with full focus. Madam Indra stepped in to guide him, and with family by his side, Hariharan began his journey as a competitive runner.
Hariharan’s Achievements:
- TCS Bengaluru Marathon (2024): First place in the under-19 category with a 10km time of 34 minutes.
- KV State and National Competitions: Gold medalist in 3km and 6km.
- SGFI 2024 in Ranchi: Personal bests in 3km and 6km with positions of 17th and 25th.
- OOTYULTRA (2022-2024): A regular participant, Hariharan set a course record in 2023 and faced tough competition in 2024, again beating his course record, racing head-to-head with another young runner Nathanael Poffley, another 17-year-old young inspiring athlete who finished 2nd.
“Running OOTYULTRA is like no other experience,” he says. “The Nilgiris’ scenic beauty, the uphill challenges, and the camaraderie with co-runners make it unforgettable. Nathaniel’s rhythmic footsteps pushed me to give my best in 2024. It was a true test of grit.”
Why Do You Run? When we asked this question Hariharan says “I run not just to win,” Hariharan explains, “but to reach my targets and inspire others. Success isn’t about the podium—it’s about running again, chasing the next goal.”
Family: His Shadow and Strength
“My parents are my shadow,” he says with a smile. “They never showed their struggles but always supported me. My family, including my uncles, aunts, grandparents, and brother, are my pillars. Without them, I wouldn’t have come this far.”
Hariharan credits his journey to the countless individuals who stood by him. “My parents are my shadow—they never showed their struggles but always supported me. My family, including my uncles, aunts, grandparents, and brother, are my pillars.” He fondly remembers his coaches, Prabu Sir, Kishore Sir, Midilesh Sir, and Madam Indra, for shaping his skills, and Mr. Vinod and the Nomadic Runners team for their constant encouragement. “Without all of them, I wouldn’t have come this far
Humble and light-hearted, Hariharan describes himself as “someone who loves to make people laugh.” He credits his coaches, friends, and community for shaping him. “I don’t know much about defining myself,” he says, “but wherever I go, people make me feel special.”
Hariharan dreams of representing India in marathons. “I want to create awareness among the younger generation about sports and its power to bring harmony and kindness,” he shares. For now, he plans to balance his studies in engineering or science with his running career.
Hariharan’s journey is a reminder of little dreams, passion, perseverance, and the power of community. Let’s cheer for this young star as he continues to shine bright and inspire others.
