They turn to sport to beat life’s battles

CHENNAI: The nearly 400 children gathered at the SDAT Nehru Park on Saturday had two things in common — they were all from underprivileged families and had a burning desire to excel.
And the special athletics meet organised by Radiant Sport was the perfect occasion to showcase their talent.
While a group of boys from Anjuman MHSS, while awaiting their turn on the track, was cheering the stars of the Chennaiyin FC (CFC) football team practice, girls from Rainbow Homes were gearing for the 100m dash.
One of then, T Vasanthi, tried to shut out the traumatic memories of her father abandoning Vasanthi and her younger brother after their mother’s demise a few years ago. “I love athletics and football. I moved into the home about four years ago. I was made to participate in various competitions like these and I’m happy now. P V Sindhu and M S Dhoni are my inspiration,” said the 14-year-old native of Tirunelveli.
K Nasser, a Class 7 student of Anjuman, hasn’t seen his father but has watched his daily wager mother struggle in Tiruvannamalai. To erase the pain, he turned to hockey and football and as goalkeeper, was part of the Tamil Nadu U14 hockey team last year. “The school is my home. Playing football and hockey gives me immense satisfaction. I don’t watch television that much. Sardar Singh (India hockey player) is my favourite. And I love Lionel Messi. I have seen Messi play on TV, but I have just seen the photo of Sardar in newspapers. I want to achieve something in hockey. I came here to have fun with friends,” he said.
A Jayabal, education officer at Rainbow Homes, and Azhagarsaamy, physical director of Anjuman, say they try to ensure the kids take part in various meets. “Since Anjuman MHSS and its members take care of the kids, I need to get approval from around 10-11 members to take them outside the city or state for various sports meets. Thus it’s quite difficult…,” said Azhagarsaamy.
Radian Sport founder Thomas Abraham said they would select a few promising kids and approach top schools in the city for sponsorship.