Quarter-miler Arokia retires, to open academy in hometown

CHENNAI: Asian Games medallist and two-time Olympian Arokia Rajiv has decided to hang up his boots. The quarter-miler from Tamil Nadu has represented India for over a decade and has achieved considerable success.

“After careful consideration, I have decided to retire. For nearly 15 years, I have not been able to spend quality time with my family, and now I want to focus on taking care of my kids. I am going to pursue a diploma in coaching in Patiala and later I am planning to open an academy in my hometown in Lalgudi (Trichy),” Arokia told TOI on Tuesday.

The most memorable moment for Arokia was winning bronze at the 2014 Asian Games. Despite having injury concerns he went on to clinch a medal and it also turned out to be a breakthrough moment for him. “I cannot forget the 2014 Asian Games. No one expected me to win a medal as I was injured. Many asked me not to compete but after a lot of struggles I participated and succeeded. People started to recognise me from that time,” Arokia added.

When Arokia won a medal, India broke the 16-year drought in 400m at the Asian Games. India had last won in 1998. “Overall, it was a memorable journey, but one drawback would be that I could not bag a medal in the Olympics. But when I look back at my journey, I have a lot of good memories. I am currently nursing an injury, and it will take me six months to recover.”

Last year, the 34-year-old was instrumental in helping India's 4x400m men’s relay team qualify for the Olympics at the World Relays in the Bahamas. India failed to finish the race in the heats after Rajesh Ramesh suffered a hamstring injury. The team had one final chance to qualify in the second qualifying round, and Arokia, who was nursing an injury himself, was drafted into the quartet. He ran the third leg and helped India finish in the top-two, securing a ticket to the Paris Games.

“Initially qualifying for the Olympics was a huge task. In 2012, the Indian relay team found it tough to breach the ‘B’ qualification mark but this is not the case now.”

Arokia’s goal is to set up an academy and help athletes from humble backgrounds achieve their dreams. “We do not have a proper ground in my village and it would be great if the state government helps me.”