Indian toddler attempts marathon

A FOUR-YEAR-OLD child sold by his mother for less than $20 has been dubbed India’s “marathon boy” after he ran 65 km (40 miles) yesterday, but critics accused his coach of risking the boy’s health for cash.

Budhia Singh, dressed in a white T-shirt and red shorts, covered the distance in just seven hours and two minutes, after setting out to become the youngest Indian to cover the marathon distance.

His progress was avidly followed by many of India’s TV news channels.

Budhia Singh, whose talent was discovered by a local sports coach, was escorted by doctors and 300 paramilitary cadets of the Central Reserve Police Force which plans to sponsor his upbringing.

The doctors stopped Singh from completing the target distance of 43 miles and drove him the rest of the way when the boy showed signs of extreme exhaustion.

Biranchi Das, a local judo teacher, adopted Budhia and later discovered his unusual stamina.

However, there are serious concerns the boy is being pushed too far for publicity and rewards.