At 92, Saroja Bai R is an inspiration for her neighbours and relatives. Last year, she participated in the 100 metre run at the Chennai District Masters Athletic Association and won the first prize. At the Tamil Nadu State Masters Athletic Championship 2013, she finished first in discuss throw.
Not that there were many nonagenarians competing with her, but Saroja Bai, who has never been a sportsperson, has shown that life can indeed begin at 90 for some. Saroja Bai, who only wears saris, showed determination by donning shorts and a t-shirt for the sports meet.
“I have given her name for this year’s district meet, but am not sure she can take part as she hurt her elbow bone a few weeks ago,” says V.Muralidharan, Saroja Bai’s sister’s son with whom she stays.
Muralidharan, an athlete, motivated her to participate in the District Masters Meet seeing how briskly she could climb the stairs of their three-storey apartment in West Mambalam.
The half-a-dozen medals and certificates she won in the last two years keep her going. “Will I be able to run this time too?” she asks in Marathi, looking at her certificates through her rimmed spectacles. “I should get well first,” she tells herself.
“In fact, she is so possessive about the certificates that she insists they be kept safely in the cupboard,” smiles Swarna Muralidharan who takes care of her.
Saroja Bai spends her day reading slokas, books and watching serials. She has never used the walking stick, and likes to cook if given a chance.
