SIVAGANGA: At an age when most athletes have long stepped away from competition, a water can supplier, Posalan, still measures his days in strides and jumps. The 82-year-old from Karaikudi returned from the National Masters Athletics Meet in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, with two gold medals, reaffirming a sporting journey spanning four decades.
The five-day meet drew around 3,000 participants from across the country, including 300 from Tamil Nadu. Sivaganga district was represented by 14 athletes, including nine women, led by Dr Sundar, former vice-chancellor of the Tamil Nadu Sports University and principal of the College of Physical Education at Alagappa University, Karaikudi.
Competing in the 80-plus age category, Posalan topped the podium in both the triple jump and long jump events. Another athlete from Karaikudi, Veluchamy of the railway area, won gold in the 300 metres hurdles in the 75-plus category.
Posalan’s association with sport began early. A football player during his school years, he took up masters athletics at the age of 41. Since then, competitions have become a constant in his life. Even at 82, he continues to train, travel and compete, adding medals with steady regularity.
His sporting career has taken him beyond India as well. Posalan has participated in international masters athletics competitions in the United States and has won medals in several Asian-level meets. To date, his tally has crossed 150 medals.
Away from the track, Posalan leads a modest life. He earns his living by supplying purified drinking water cans to households in Karaikudi. Limited financial resources make it difficult for him to meet travel and participation expenses for competitions. Support from a few sports enthusiasts has enabled him to continue, meet after meet.
Sports enthusiasts from Sivaganga district have now urged the Tamil Nadu government to extend support to Posalan, citing his sustained achievements and commitment to athletics well into his eighties.