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| P.Suresh, Narikuni, Kozhikkode |
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There are no tumultuous uproars around P.Suresh when he lifts 30 kg laterite stones at the Chelannur quarry for a living. Yet many are likely to remember the 28-year-old who was crowned ‘strongman’ at the State Power Lifting Championship held in Kozhikkode recently.
Suresh is the national record holder in the 52kg category. His performance in the recent State meet started with a lift of 125kg, well above the national record. And he is confident of putting a better performance at the national championship to be held in Mangalore next week.
However what bothers him is the money needed for training and costumes. Although the job at the quarry may double up as training, his primary concern is the Rs.125 per day that he earns from there. Even that job is not guaranteed daily.
Despite many efforts to secure help from different quarters, he has not been successful so far. The costumes for ‘bench press’ and ‘squat’ events would each cost Rs.10000. He is now making use of old costumes bought for Rs.1500 from a retired star.
Suresh, who has studied upto B.A, is the son of a headload worker at Narikuni market. With other 2 sons to bring up in life, his father is unable to meet the sporting aspirations of Suresh.
Two faces of the champion
Courtesy: Malayala Manorama, August 22, 2003
Contributed by: Administrator
