The Hindu : Sport / Athletics : 84 is not the age to rest for Swarajyalakshmi

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Dec 29, 2004

Sport

Sport - Athletics

84 is not the age to rest for Swarajyalakshmi

By Our Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD, DEC. 28. At an age when many people would be happy to lead a quiet retired life, 84-year old K.S. Swarajyalakshmi is taking active part in athletics and wining medals.

She took part in the Asian veterans' athletic championship at Bangkok held during Dec. 1 to 5, and won gold medals in shot put, discuss and hammer throw; and a silver in the javelin throw in the 80-plus age group.

In a career spanning over two decades as a veteran athlete she has bagged 60 gold medals and eight silver medals.

The sports is not her only area of interest.

She is an active social worker and runs a home for the aged, from a rented premise. And she has to frequently shift this home, as most landlords are not keen to have it on their premise.

She hopes that the Government will take notice of her laurels achieved at international level and provide her with some suitable financial reward, which she could utilise to have a permanent home for the aged.

She says ``that her aim is to utilise her achievements as a sportsperson to help those who are less fortunate.''

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