The aged display their grit and determination at athletic meet

COIMBATORE: Nearly 310 elders in the city showcased not just their fitness and strength but their real grit and determination at the 35th annual district sports meet organised by the Coimbatore District Masters Athletic Association on Sunday. The age group was 35 to 80-plus years and the oldest participant 94-year-old Sivannarayan Nair, a former yoga instructor.
Three years ago, R Saraswathi, a 72-year-old home maker, was dragged to an athletic event by her sister. "I had never played any game or participated in sports events as I had studied only till Class IV. But my sisters forced me to take part in shot put, javelin throw and discuss throw. And I won gold in all three events in my age group," she said. At 75, she is only growing stronger as she won gold on Sunday as well. "I plan to improve my fitness and take part in the 5km marathon walk," she said.

S Neelavathi, 80, was delighted to come first in the 1500m, 400m and 800m sprint events. "I was introduced to athletics when I was 40. So far, I have taken part in 37 national events and four Asia meets," she said. And what keeps the 80-year-old going? "I have always loved games from childhood. But I had never taken part in any major event. This not only keeps us fit but creates awareness that age is no bar to make achievements," she said. Seconding her is Vasantha Samuel another 80- year-old who has won at the world level and even represented India in the Olympics in the masters category. "I am a homeopathy doctor and I know that all diseases originate in the mind. When we play or exercise, we forget our age and are very happy. Our concentration is only on the sport and it helps us stay fit. Athletics has given me the courage to face any difficulty in life," she said.
Of the 310 participants, 250 were men. Sivanarayan, the oldest participant, said he loved to take part in these events as he wanted to stay fit. "I used to ride my cycle until last year. But this year, I am weaker," he said. K V Balakrishnan, 89, took part not just in the 5km walk but also in 100m race. "I just wanted to complete the race. I knew I could do it and I am proud of myself," he said.
M Rajendran, 69, Vijay Rajendra, 43, and G Dhanalakshmi, 37, were a happy lot. The father, son and daughter-in-law trio won gold medals in different age categories in various events. "I always go for running and jogging. After my education, I never got a chance to take part in such meets. So I was excited to do so," said Rajendran. It was the first time they took part in the masters athletic meet.
Radhamani R, secretary of the association, said that in 2017 Tamil Nadu won 37 medals in China at the Asia meet for masters. "Among them, 17 medals were won by athletes in Coimbatore. We have immense talent and the numbers are only growing each year," she said. "This event is being held only to inspire elders to come out of their homes and to encourage them to stay fit. Their participation will encourage youngsters," she said. The first and second place winners of this meet will represent the district at a state meet and winners will go on to represent at nationals and international meets.