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Budhia Singh parts company with coach?

BHUBANESWAR: Child marathoner Budhia Singh may no longer be seen together with his coach and mentor Biranchi Das in the days to come. The wonder kid now started living with his mother, Sukanti Singh. This is due to rift between Budhia’s mother and Mr. Das that widened during the past fortnight. Ms Singh insisted to keep her child with her, sources said.

The development came as a big setback for Mr. Das who was often accused of exploiting the child for his personal gains. When contacted, the coach chose not to comment on the development. Budhia used to stay with the coach at the hall of State Judo Association near Bhanja Kala Mandap here.

Though Sukanti Singh had teamed up with Mr. Das against Child Welfare Committee, which had expressed concern over the child’s exploitation, the mother was not particularly happy as the coach reportedly planned another event, which would have created further controversy, sources said. Budhia Singh shot into limelight for his incredible stamina to undertake long distance running. When the child was five-year-old, he ran 65 km distance from Puri to Bhubaneswar. The Women and Child Development Department had stepped in and get the child examined by a group of experts who had opined that long distance running would have adverse impact on child’s health. It also questioned Mr. Das’ rights over the child. The coach had claimed that Budhia was picked up by him from Goutamnagar slum of Bhubaneswar and later he discovered his running prowess. Thereafter, he reportedly adopted Budhia.

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