Kerala’s throwers show promise

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Kerala has for generations ruled the tracks, but its contributions in the throw events has remained relatively obscure owing to dearth of quality athletes as for those who came by it was tough to match the shoulder power of men from the northern states.

However, three specialist throwers Ijas Muhammed, Sachin James and Alfin V P have shown great promise in recent years. In the last couple of seasons, the three have achieved the right elevation to change the equation in favour of Kerala.

Ijas has been impressive in discus throw, Sachin is specialised in hammer and Alfin in shot put and the three 19-year-olds has won gold in their respective events at the state junior athletics meet held in Kochi. While, Ijas and Sachin grabbed the yellow metal with record breaking performances, Alfin had little opposition in his event.

Ijas who set the disc landing at 46.10 m bettering his own mark of 44.12 m in the under 20 category of the meet also holds state records in under-16, 17 and 18 categories.

“This was my last year in the junior section and I am happy to exit with a meet record. The men’s category is tougher, but my aim is to smash the state senior record and then look for higher challenges,” said Ijas, first year graduation student of M A College, Kothamangalam.

Ijas, who hails from Palakkad has been progressing gradually in the event in the sub-junior category. After coming under P I Babu, he has been the man to beat in discus throw, at least in the state level.

Meanwhile, Sachin James, elder brother of upcoming long jumper Nayana James is probably the only capable hammer thrower in the state and his 58.89 m smashing the five-year-old 54.31 m set by Krishnakumar G has projected this resident of Perambra in Kozhikode into the bigger frame.

“Unfortunately, there is not much competition in the men’s category in our state. I can do 60 m and above if I put effort. If I succeed in doing above 65 in a couple of years that will be good enough in the national level,” said Sachin.

Alfin, who did 15.18 m in under-20 boys shot put is another athlete-to-watch in the coming years. Kerala athletics can be assured that through these growing talents it will have a future in the throw events.