Mangalore: Veteran sportsperson Anand Soans on the right track, but...

Florine Roche
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore

Mangalore, Jun 6: Often we notice that some people don’t seem to age at all or rather they don’t get old proportionally to their calendar age. May be their enthusiasm or zest for the things they love most keep them agile, young, energetic and raring to go.

At 73, J Anand Soans, a veteran sportsperson is a living example, as age has not slowed down his pace or diminished his puppyish enthusiasm for sports. If anything, it is only that his dedication and hunger to reach greater heights have matured and grown with age and have become a passion.

As an active veteran sportsperson Soans is endowed with a never-say-die spirit that keeps him going despite hurdles and setbacks. As a veteran sportsperson he participates in various state, national and international athletic events consistently winning laurels in sprint, long jump, triple jump and Javelin throw. Whatever little income he earns is spent in buying sports apparel and gear and to cater to his passion of attending various meets. In his enthusiasm to exhibit his talent in national and international forums he has not only been practicing religiously and winning laurels but also has been knocking at the doors of all those officials and philanthropists to seek sponsors to take part in various international events.

These days, Soans has been running from pillar to post in his efforts to take part in the World Masters Games to be held in Italy from August 3 to 11 this year and seek sponsors for him to meet the financial expenses involved in taking part in the event. Soans, who runs a petty shop on Jail Road in the city, is facing severe resource crunch and is not able to bear the cost of travel and accommodation in Italy for the entire period of the event. Therefore, he has been knocking at the doors of many to seek sponsors to enable him to travel to undertake this trip to Italy. Except for CSI Bishop who has contributed Rs 20,000, Soans has not succeeded in his efforts. But he has not given up his efforts.

While politicians whom he has approached have been adroitly evading the issue saying they are busy or are out of station other public sector banks and organizations have not responded positively to his request. He now plans to meet U T Khader, Minister for Food and Civil Supplies and is pinning his hopes on his largesse to get some financial support to go to Italy. Though the city corporation has a fund to give to meritorious sportspersons, Soans who has approached the Corporation officials had to return emptyhanded.

Soans who turned 73 in April this year has been consistently winning medals at state, national and international events since 2005. In 2011 he participated in the Asial level competition held at Malaysia and won a bronze medal. The same year he won silver in Long jump and 4X100 meters relay in the event held at Sri Lanka. At the national level Soans has always won the gold for the state in the veteran’s category. In the recently concluded national level veterans meet held at Tiruvananthapuram son has won one gold and two silver medals. With this he has booked a place for the World Masters to be held in Italy in coming August.

Soans was regularly practicing at Mangala Stadium until the stadium was closed for making a synthetic track. Those practicing regularly at Mangala Stadium had to find an alternative arrangement to practice. As there is no other stadium, Soans and many other sportspers started practicing at Urva ground, which is crowded with cricket players and is not suitable for practice. Though it is nearly two months since the stadium was inaugurated by former Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar, the stadium gate is still locked. It is believed that there is a tussle between the contractor who carried out the work and the official in charge of the department who is refusing to sign the bills without getting his due. As a result sports persons are left high and dry without having a proper stadium to practice. Soans said that he and his friends had to jump over the gate just a few days ago to get into the stadium to practice.

But Soans is made up of a sterner stuff and says he will not give up come what may. “I have been working hard to participate in this world meet practicing regularly. I will not give up my efforts come what may. I wish the authorities would ensure the Mangala stadium is opened to allow sportspersons to practice regularly”, he says.

Soans says he is psychologically fit to carry on his passion and that is what keeps his body hale, healthy and active. He does not suffer from any ailments and is armed with a capacious willpower to reach his goal - of greater excellence. He is a role model especially for the younger generation.

Soans can be contacted on mobile number 80954 35949.