Chapter 74: The Road to the National Championships

The National Championships loomed just weeks away, and the weight of its significance sat heavily on Rohan's shoulders. It wasn't just another race—it was the race. The event that could signal his complete return to the top tier of Indian athletics. After months of grueling rehabilitation, mental conditioning, and small victories, this would be the true test. And it wasn't just any competition—Arjun, his long-time rival, would be there.For years, Arjun had been the one pushing Rohan, challenging him on and off the track. The two had clashed in numerous races, each victory or defeat intensifying their rivalry. But after Rohan's injury, Arjun had surged ahead, winning titles and gaining national attention as the new face of Indian running. Rohan, sidelined by his injury, had been forced to watch from the background.Now, though, Rohan was back. He had won smaller races in recent months, proving to himself that his body could withstand the pressure again. But the National Championships were different. This was the stage where all eyes would be on him—his competitors, the media, the fans. It was a moment he couldn't afford to let slip."Rohan, you've been working for this for months," Ms. Mehra said, her voice firm as they sat down for one of their final strategy meetings before the event. "You've shown that you're physically ready. Your mental game has improved dramatically. The only thing left is to execute."Rohan nodded, though his mind was racing. The nerves were starting to creep in, the familiar tension that came before every big race. But there was something different this time. He wasn't just nervous about the competition—he was nervous about Arjun. Over the past few months, Arjun had dominated the national scene, consistently breaking records and winning races with apparent ease. He had grown stronger, faster, more confident. And Rohan, though back in form, knew that Arjun would be a formidable opponent."You're ready for this," Ms. Mehra repeated, sensing his hesitation. "You've worked harder than anyone. And remember what Dr. Kapoor said—you're not just running against Arjun. You're running against yourself."Rohan took a deep breath, recalling the months of mental training he had undergone with Dr. Kapoor. He had learned how to stay present, how to block out the noise, the pressure, and the doubts. This race was no different. He couldn't afford to focus on what Arjun was doing. He had to focus on himself, on his own race."I know," Rohan replied, his voice steady. "I'm ready."The weeks leading up to the race passed in a blur of intense training sessions, media interviews, and endless mental preparation. Rohan's days were filled with intervals, long runs, and visualization exercises with Dr. Kapoor. Each night, as he lay in bed, he pictured the race in vivid detail—the feel of the track beneath his feet, the sound of the crowd, the tension in the air. He visualized Arjun beside him, pushing him to his limits, and he saw himself finishing strong, crossing the finish line first.By the time the day of the National Championships arrived, Rohan felt a strange sense of calm. He had prepared as much as he could. Now, it was time to execute.

The stadium was packed. Thousands of spectators filled the stands, their energy palpable as they waited for the men's 1500-meter final to begin. The sun beat down on the track, casting long shadows as the athletes gathered near the starting line. Rohan stood among them, stretching his legs, his heart pounding with a mixture of anticipation and nerves.The media had been hyping this race for weeks, building it up as the ultimate showdown between two of India's best runners: Rohan Singh, the former champion returning from a devastating injury, and Arjun Kapoor, the reigning national champion who had dominated in Rohan's absence.Rohan glanced across the track and saw Arjun warming up on the other side. Even from a distance, Rohan could see the confidence in Arjun's movements, the way he carried himself with the ease of someone who had nothing to prove. It was a stark contrast to the last time they had faced each other, when Rohan had been the dominant one, and Arjun had been the challenger.But things had changed. Now, Rohan was the underdog, and Arjun was the reigning king of the track."Focus on your race," Rohan muttered to himself, closing his eyes for a brief moment and recalling Dr. Kapoor's voice. He visualized the race one last time, seeing himself staying calm, focused, and strong, regardless of what happened around him. He had trained for this moment. His body was ready. His mind was sharp.The announcer's voice boomed over the stadium speakers, signaling the athletes to take their positions at the starting line. The crowd quieted, and Rohan moved into his lane, settling into his stance. The air was thick with anticipation, the kind of silence that only came before the storm.He glanced to his left, and there was Arjun, his eyes forward, his expression unreadable. There was no exchange of words, no acknowledgment between them. There didn't need to be. The race would speak for itself.The gun went off.Rohan exploded off the blocks, his legs moving with the precision and power that had taken months to rebuild. The pack surged forward, each runner jostling for position as they settled into their pace. Rohan knew he couldn't let himself get caught up in the chaos. He had a strategy, and he had to stick to it.The first lap was all about control. Rohan stayed near the middle of the pack, not pushing too hard but not falling behind either. His breathing was steady, his stride smooth. He could feel the energy of the other runners around him, but he blocked it out, focusing only on his own rhythm.

Arjun, as expected, moved to the front of the pack early on, setting a strong pace. The crowd roared as he took the lead, and Rohan could feel the excitement ripple through the stadium.