It is impossible for V. Sriramulu, a retired naval Commander, to sit at one place and strike a conversation even for five minutes. He moves from one room to another in a jiffy and it is difficult to keep pace with him when he walks around.
No wonder, this 92-year-old has grabbed over 75 gold and silver medals, taking part in national and international championships so far. In the recent 19{+t}{+h}Asia Masters Athletics Championships 2016 held in Singapore, he won another gold medal for completing the 5000m race walk with ease.
With a never fading smile, he says, he is now eyeing the XXII World Masters Athletics Championships, Perth-2016, scheduled in October. “I start my day at 2 a.m. doing yoga asanas followed by a brisk walk on Beach Road that would begin exactly at 4 a.m. My day can never be complete without exercising. I firmly believe that a balanced diet coupled with an effective workout plan can make you stay fit forever,” says the vegetarian-turned non-vegetarian who has no health issues.
At home he is allowed to cook only eggs as he says, “My wife is a vegetarian so at home I have to boil eggs in a separate pan.” The retired naval officer says throughout his service, mountaineering and yachting had been his favourite hobbies. He took up walking and running post his retirement.
Trekking expedition
“In 2002, I participated in a trekking expedition to Mt. Kilimanjaro with my son. Now, I restrict myself to race walk,” says the champion who led the retired naval officers’ contingent in the Second International Fleet Review-2016.
From Asian Masters Athletic Championships to World Masters Athletic Championships and several international marathons, Cdr. Sriramulu made a mark in almost every competition he stepped into. “As long as I stay happy and enjoy what I do, I will continue to inspire the younger generation. My theory of happiness is staying busy and helping others as much as possible,” says the athlete, who has a steady flow of visitors waiting for him at home almost everyday.
Making a mark
Sriramulu says he is now eyeing the XXII World Masters Athletics Championships, Perth-2016, scheduled in October
He made a mark in almost every competition he stepped into
