P A Noushad to pen pride in World Athletics

KOZHIKODE: Kozhikode Perode MIM Higher Secondary School teacher P.A. Noushad, who is better known for his English translations of noted short story writer Akbar Kakkattil’s books, is going to show a different facet of his personality this time. He is one of the five contestants from Kerala participating in the World Masters Athletic Championship 2016, scheduled to be held in Perth, Australia from October 26 to November 6. He will represent India in the 200 metre running race.

Noushad qualified at the state-level competition at Thiruvananthapuram and the national-level competition at Chamundi Vihar Stadium, Mysuru. The World Masters Athletics Championships are the biennial championships for masters athletics events held under the auspices of World Masters Athletics, formerly called the World Association of Veteran Athletes, for athletes over 35 years. 

Speaking to DC, Noushad said that his students inspired him to compete in the meet. “I was an introvert and was not ready to participate in literary and athletic competitions during school and college days. But after taking teaching as a profession, I find time to play and run with my students almost all the days. I think that gave me confidence to participate in the masters athletic championships in which even former world champions can compete,” he said.

Noushad is also the author of many poetry collections including Touch of the Soul, Being into infinity, Dreams and Tears etc and has also participated in many international poetry festivals. He is also good in martial arts which he practices daily. “Our education system envisages having a sound mind and body. I think I could do some justice to it by trying my skills in literature and athletics at the same time,” he added.