R Archana, studying in Std. VIII C, was curious about track and field events over the past couple of years. While taking part in sprints while studying in Std. VII, Sevalaya’s PT teacher M Nithyanandam, saw the determination in Archana’s eyes. She exhibited the hallmarks of a good athlete like self-motivation, turning up for practice two hours daily, and hard work. The coach and PT master is sure she will go on to represent the nation with her work ethic.
This has been a breakthrough year for Archana. On 3rd June 2016, she won the Gold medal in the Divisional (Ponneri, Thiruvallur, Kanchipuram, and Chingleput) 80m hurdles, held at Velammal school, Ponneri. In November this year, she participated in the Nationals held at Vishakapatnam, and came 8th. Early in December, she participated in the State level Republic day Sports athletics competition at the Kalasalingam University, Virudhunagar, and secured the Bronze medal in the 80m hurdles (under -14) category, with a timing of 14.90 seconds (Winner: 13.4 seconds). The difference between the second prize and Archana was a mere 0.1 second.
Apart from 80m hurdles, Archana also regularly participates in 200m and Long Jump. She is getting better by the day and she is confident of representing school the at the Divisional level soon.
Her parents are her source of strength. They make a living by selling vegetables in the local market. They are very proud of the accolades she wins in various tournaments and provide full encouragement. At school she is guided by the sports as well as academic team. Her class teacher says that her levels of concentration has increased from earlier and she is in the top half of the class now. Sevalaya provides Archana with nutritious food and supplements for general stamina and strength, daily.
We are confident of her continued success and sure that she will win many laurels.
