Age no barrier for eight ‘master athletes’ from undivided Chittoor district

’Age is just a number’ for eight veteran athletes from undivided Chittoor district, who are all set to participate in the Asian Master Athletic Meet to be held in Chennai, from November 5 to 9. Called as ‘Master athletes’, in view of their age category, these athletes had earlier cleared the 45th National Masters Athletics Championship 2025 held at Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru, back in March.

The senior-most, M. Pushpa Kumari, comes under the 85+ years age group. She is followed by M. Bharathi and B. Neeraja in the 75+ years segment, K. Dhananjaya (70+ years), L. Suseela (65+ years), M. Deepika (60+ years), T. Ramesh Kumar Reddy (50+ years) and P. Kumari (40+ years) respectively.

Notwithstanding their age, the veteran athletes make it a point to gather at SVU Tarakarama Stadium at 5 a.m., where they start the day with a walk, warm-up and follow it up with rigorous practice.

The Masters Athletic Association of Chittoor District honorary president Nainar Srinivasulu recalled the grit and determination exhibited by the veterans and wished them luck ahead of the major event.