Pakistani-American athlete Agha Hasnain has accomplished a marathon mission – completing the run in all 50 US states.
This week Pakistani-American Congress honored him with an award on the Capitol Hill, hailing him as a tremendous achiever, who earned the rare distinction for the community.
Hasnain, who studied at Government College, Lahore, has been a lifelong athlete with passion for sports – something which propelled him into the longest run of his life in 2004, beginning with Virginia Marine Corps Marathon.
“It was my enthusiasm, spirit to succeed and my intention to project a right good image of the community that made me stick to the marathon ,” he told Views and News after receiving the award from President of the Congress Manny Alam.
Agha Hasnian receiving award
Photo : Views and News
“During these years, I met and befriended so many great people, Americans, veterans, citizens and committed people,” added Hasnain, who realized the coveted feat with Honolulu Marathon in 2015.
The 11-year-long dream journey also tested Hasnain’s mettle financially as much as it put him to rigorous physical exercise.
“In the beginning I had some sponsors – bat later on I spent a lot of my money and devoted so much of time to the mission.”
On the way, he also overcame some odds.
“At one point, I fell sick and was down with fever, but I persisted – I said to myself I must succeed for my people, my country, for United States, for Pakistan.”
Hasnain, who has been an inspiration to many young Pakistanis and Americans believes that strong will and determination are two traits that can help people surmount all kinds of challenges.
Legendary boxer Muhammad Ali, who passed away last week, is one of the greatest heroes for Hasnain, who represented what real victory means.
“Just as marathon demands marathon energy, success demands hard work, dedication and persistence.”
