Kerala cashew worker turned athlete seeks sponsors to take part in int’l event

KERALA: Sheeba, a mother of two, is a cashew worker and domestic help to most. But this slender middle-aged woman is an athlete from Kerala who represented the country in various World Masters athletics meets and garnered medals and accolades.

In a conversation with PTI she said life made her an athlete. Even though she walked and ran to reach her work sites on time, she never in her life thought that she would become an athlete and would win medals in and outside the country.

The 38-year-old athlete is now on another run in life to find a sponsor for the upcoming Asian Masters’ Athletics Championship scheduled to be held in the Philippines in November this year.

While the event is a few months away, she is yet to Rs 1.5 lakh so that she can attend the championship.
Sheeba has to find money on her own as the government doesn’t recognise athletics in the Masters’ category.  She could participate in the previous meets held in different countries with the support of people from various corners of society.

Last year, the woman athlete won medals in 400 metres relay race and 3,000 metres walk during the national masters’ athletic events held in West Bengal, thus qualifying for the Asian Masters Championship.

“After completing the household chores, I would go to the factory. Then, with the permission of the employer there, I would leave early in the evening and work as a domestic help in some nearby houses. So, my life itself is a race,” she said with a smile.

She said she would manage to find time amidst this busy schedule for daily practice also.

Sheeba recounts incidents where people in the neighbourhood made fun of her when she went to practice wearing a tracksuit. But she has learned to not take these negative comments to heart.

A school dropout, the woman said she did not receive any support from her family to chase her dreams.

Sheeba said she had not participated in any sports events during her school days but since she stepped into the world of athletics somehow, it has been her passion and dream.

Despite the hardships, challenges and financial constraints, this woman is optimistic and positive about her participation in the upcoming event in the Philippines.

“Look at these medals and certificates…all I have won fighting all these hardships and challenges,” she said pointing to the heap of medals, trophies and certificates, stacked in gunny bags and kept at window panes in her humble home.

“So, I am sure a door will be opened before me this time also…and I will wear the Indian jersey and win a medal(s) for the country in the international event,” Sheeba said.