54-year-old painter to represent dist in state athletic meet

Coimbatore: Anyone watching N Kannan sprinting past walkers and joggers at Race Course will conclude that he is a versatile athlete. Even at the age of 54 now, Kannan is fit and strong enough to compete in several athletic meets.
A painter by profession, Kannan has been selected by the Coimbatore District Masters Athletic Association to represent the district at the state-level meet to be held on December 17 and 18. He will participate in 200 metres, 400 metres and long jump.
Kannan never misses his daily practice in the evenings after wrapping up his work.
“I used to take my two daughters to the playground for regular practising. It was during this time my interest to become an athlete grew. I represented many tournaments and veteran meets in the past 14 years,” he said.
Kannan is aiming to create a record in 200m at the Salem event. He said he can finish 200m in 31 seconds. “I am practising to improve my timing and bag a place in the top three in the state-level meet. I can go to the national meet only if I achieve one of the top three prizes.”
Residing near Olympus Bus Stand in the city, Kannan earns around Rs 1,000 per day. Kannan will also take part in another athletic meet in Krishnagiri on January 6 to 8.