NATARAJAN: 6 DECADES OF DEDICATION TO WEIGHT LIFTING
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| R.S.Natarajan, Kokkothamangalam, Nedumangad, Thiruvananthapuram |
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For almost 6 decades now, he has been engaged in weight lifting, first as a participant and later as a referee, coach and organizer. R.S.Natarajan, Kokkothamangalam, Nedumangad won the ‘Vishishta Seva Medal’ in 1975 from the then President Fakrudin Ali Ahammed for his contribution in grooming 1 Olympic level participant, 2 Asian champions and 12 national champions from the Navy. He was able to elevate Indian Power Lifting and Weight Lifting teams to the Olympic level.
Born in Erachkkulam, Nagercoil, Natarajan was groomed by his father Ramanathan to be a wrestler. Towards this end he started practicing from the age of 15 under Arunachala Iyer of Krishnan Coil. The sudden demise of his father saw him joining the Navy to earn a living.
In 1951 he created record at the Bombay State competition. On many occasions he was the best body builder of the Navy. His students include Dronacharya award winner P.S.Sandhya, national coach Guldeep Singh and current national champion Anil Kumar from Nedumangad.
His memorable moments include training the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi abroad a ship and undergoing training under Russian V.A.Kuz.
74-year-old Natarajan who runs an indoor gymnasium at Kokkothamangalam is still engaged in the silent service of producing champions.
Courtesy: Deshabhimani, January 19, 2003
Contributed by: Administrator
