Visakhapatnam: He is 93, but is still busy clinching medals in various athletic championships. He won a gold medal in the racing walk category at the World Masters Athletic Championship held recently. Commodore V. Sriramulu’s (retired) humongous achievement can be gauged from the fact that he was adjudged as the Athlete of Asia-2016 for being the first athlete from Asian countries to score three gold medals in the international event held in Perth, Australia from October 26 to November 6, this year.
He is not complacent with the achievements. He is pushing himself for the next championship in 2018. From 92 countries, a total of 1,439 women and 2,596 men took part in the event, of whom 35 women and 53 men are from India, winning a total of 5 gold, 2 silvers and 8 bronze medals. He started racing in international events from 2004 and brought 19 medals, including 12 in Asian Master Athletics and 7 in the World competitions.
However, all his achievement did not come easily to him as he had to cost his right knee too. “I am a short- heighted and so had less hopes in the speed-centred 5 and 10km races. So, to get a medal anyhow, I zeroed in on my stamina and raced in 20 km race walk at World Meet in Sacramento, California in 2011. However, I got my right knee injured badly in the race,” he added.
The orthopedic surgeons who treated him suggested him to hang his boot and take rest examining the seriousness of the injury. But, the commodore bounced back again and raced in World Athletics in 2015.
Speaking about his diet, he said ‘Man digs his own grave with spoon and fork”, pointing out the overeating habit of people. “We should not overeat and try to have food as less we can as these days we are hardly doing physical workout,” stressed.
He also expressed concern that there are many sporting events and opportunities for youngsters, but not so for veterans. The government should conduct events for veterans so that they could lead a dignified and independent life.
