When the starting blocks feel like home, every race becomes a testament to resilience. For Devaki Dhar, a national sprinter from Delhi, her journey from epilepsy diagnosis to breaking her personal record is a powerful narrative of determination.

At just 19, Devaki's world shifted dramatically when she was diagnosed with epilepsy, a neurological condition that threatened to derail her athletic dreams. But instead of surrendering, she transformed her approach to training, listening to her body with newfound wisdom and adapting her routine to her new medical reality.

Sprinting wasn't always Devaki's natural talent. Her first 100-metre race ended with a sixth-place finish, far from the promising start of a future athlete. Yet something about running captivated her, drawing her back to the track day after day, year after year, until the sport became more than a passion - it became her identity.

The epilepsy diagnosis could have been a devastating moment. When the doctor signaled she couldn't run 'anytime soon,' Devaki felt her world crumbling. But her first instinct wasn't despair - it was a single, powerful question: 'Can I run?' This moment revealed her true character: unyielding and driven.

Understanding her condition became crucial. Epilepsy, characterized by sudden electrical bursts in the brain, requires careful management. For an athlete like Devaki, this meant monitoring triggers like sleep, stress, and physical exhaustion - elements that sit perilously close to the demands of professional training.

Her comeback wasn't just physical, but mental. She rebuilt her training approach, embracing a more holistic understanding of her body's signals and limits. The result? Breaking her eight-year personal best, proving that medical challenges need not be career-ending obstacles.

Today, Devaki continues to compete in 60-metre and 100-metre events, her spirit unbroken, her determination undiminished. Her story isn't just about athletic achievement - it's about transforming perceived limitations into launching pads for extraordinary success.