Ludhiana: At 87, most athletes have long since hung up their boots, but Teja Singh Botewal is proving that age is just a number as the Kila Raipur Rural Olympics return this weekend.The legendary performer, who became a global sensation in the 1990s for his gravity-defying balance acts, has announced his intention to return to the arena—this time trading his famous camel for the high-speed thrill of the bullock cart races.
A Legacy of BalanceHailing from Gujjarwal village, Teja Singh remains one of the most iconic figures in the 86-year history of the games. During his prime, he was renowned for a feat of coordination that few have dared to replicate: Standing upright on a moving camel, with the difficulty of balancing a traditional clay pot (matka) on his head, added with the twist of holding a bowl of water in his hand without spilling a drop.“I bought my camel for 4,000 rupees back then,” Teja Singh told The TOI. “I spent immense time and energy training for that balance. We only had four years together, but that camel made me famous worldwide. I’ve never found another animal with that kind of talent since.”One Last RunDespite his age, the octogenarian’s competitive fire remains unextinguished. While the camel acts are a thing of the past, Teja Singh has spent the lead-up to the 2026 games eyeing the bullock cart track. Even though he admits the official announcement for the games came later than he would have liked for a full training cycle, he hasn’t ruled out a competitive appearance. “It takes at least three to four months of preparation for these games,” he said. “At 87, I still want to participate. If my practice sessions go perfectly, I will be out there in the bullock cart races.”A Living LegendTeja Singh’s potential return adds a layer of historic prestige to an event already buzzing with the resumption of bullock cart racing. For younger athletes, his presence serves as a reminder of the “muscularity, tradition, and skill” that defined the Rural Olympics long before modern sponsorships.Regardless of whether he crosses the finish line this Sunday, Teja Singh remains the sentimental heart of the festival. “I can never forget the time I spent at Kila Raipur,” he added. “It made me feel like the best.”
