NATIONAL SCHOOL ATHLETIC CHAMPION IN SEARCH OF A PLACE TO KEEP MEDALS
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| Jomiya, St. Xavier’s Higher Secondary School, Chemmannar, Idukki |
Student athlete Jomiya is looking for a place to keep the medals and certificates she has won.
Although she would like to keep them in her own house, how can one keep such valuables in a mere shed. So she is keeping them with a relative at present.
Earlier Jomiya and family were staying in a rented house. Later Udumbanchola Grama Panchayat granted them financial assistance under People’s Plan to construct a house. With the first installment of Rs.6000 so received, they constructed foundation for the house. As no further assistance was forthcoming, the construction had to be stopped. And they shifted to a nearby shed.
In the National School Games held at Patiala recently, she was the champion in 3000m cross-country race. She is a 10th standard student of St. Xavier’s Higher Secondary School, Chemmannar, Idukki
Jomiya’s father, Joy Chithimattathil, is a casual labourer. Jomiya is the eldest of his two children.
She became a cross-country runner in an effort to surmount life’s obstacles. Everyday she used to run and walk the 10km of difficult terrain that was the distance from her home to the school. This natural training made her an athlete of National promise. Twice she was 3000m champion in State School Meet also.
This year she has shifted to the convent attached to the school. Thus her natural training is now reduced as she comes home only during weekends. However, the school is taking care of their talented ward. She gets nourishing food in morning and evening thanks to the teachers. The school coach Tom T. Jose too gives her all possible help. The PTA sponsors her sports wardrobe. And there is her father Joy and mother Salukkutty lending her all possible support.
Her brother Job too is into athletics. Hurdles is his chosen item.
Courtesy: Kerala Kaumudi
Contributed by: Administrator
