Sporting a ticket to Jakarta

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Age is never a barrier to take up a passion. At 50, Shylaja G who already has several wins in her kitty, says sports is her life. Recently, she won a silver and gold at the 39th National Masters Athletic Championship for shot put and discus.

Born in Venjaramood, Shylaja grew up in a family where sports was a daily affair. “My dad introduced me to sports. I was always encouraged to participate in all events. In Class 6, I started participating in every sport event including kabbadi. My husband, Tony Joseph who is also a football player, is yet another driving force,” she said. Tony takes Hindi and English tutorial classes for students to support his family.
Shylaja said that she used to perform well in track and field events. She also won the overall championship at the mountaineering championship at Darjeeling which was organised by the Kerala State Sports Council. During her graduation which she completed from Government College Attingal, she won the runners-up title in Kabbadi and Kho Kho.

Though she was appointed as a traffic warden in front of PRS Hospital, her passion for sports never faded. Most recently, she was selected to represent India in the forthcoming Athletic meet in Jakarta, Indonesia in the above 50-year category. The Veterans International Athletic Meet has always been Shylaja’s dream. However, as she does not have sufficient financial support, she fears she will be able to participate in the game.“ The Indonesian government has said they will provide me with the visa but I will have to undertake the travel cost which amounts to Rs 65,000. I am staying in a rented house in Gowreesapattom with my husband, Tony and son, Remo but the amount that we earn won’t be sufficient to cover the expenses,” she said.

Shylaja has won medals in the state and national meets for short put, javelin throw and discus throw. She has always reached national levels and won gold medals. “ My wish is to win a gold medal for my country. I will be competing for the under 50 category in short put, discus throw and javelin,” she said.
Besides being on duty from 8 am to 2 pm, Shylaja makes time to practice at the Central Stadium at least for two hours. “ Although I have to stand for long hours as a traffic warden, this has not affected my practice. I get to practice javeline only after 6 pm because the ground is occupied. I daily take two rounds everyday and run three rounds in the ground,” he said.

Shylaja is waiting for a sponsorship so that she will be able to participate in the Veterans International Athletic meet to held in Jakarta from today. Anyone interested to help her can make donations via her SBI Account- 67216078487 IFSC- SBI70028 (SBI Statue Branch, TVM) or contact 9562120846.