Kerala to host one-of-a-kind Transgender athletics meet

The event will take place in Thiruvananthapuram

What’s the story?

Kerala is going to host its first ever transgender athletics meet and Thiruvananthapuram will play host to this athletics meet. The events in the event will include popular track and field events like the 100m, 200m, 400m,100X4 in the sprint, relay, shot put and long put.

This state-level competition is organised by the Kerala state sports council.

In case you did not know...

The Kerala state government has always been proactive in the betterment of the transgender community and recently opened a first ever school for transgenders. These efforts are made to bring the transgender community in the mainstream.

Across the world, transgender athletes are encouraged to participate in sporting events. In India though, this is the first ever platform created for transgenders.

The heart of the matter

Shyama S, a member of organising committee, is a transgender and it has been eight years since she left school and for the first time in her life, she will get a chance to display her skills in an official event.

“Why do you run like a woman? This was a common question encountered by many of us and fear of mockery forces us to stay away from sports days in schools and colleges. Even though we have made our presence felt in cultural spaces and showcased our talents like in mimicry, mono acts and dance and so on, we were never given any platform to explore and experience our skills in sports until now. This event will be a revival for many including me,” said 25-year old Shyama.

Organisers are expecting at least 20 participants from each district. According to Anil Arjunan, the event coordinator, a three-day warm-up will be conducted and coaching will be given to all the participants. This is a government initiative with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and members of the sports ministry part of the organising committee.

What’s next?

The event will be held in the central stadium of Palayam, Thiruvananthapuram on April 28th.

Author’s Take

This is a wonderful step taken by Kerala government and this initiative will not only benefit the transgender community but it will also help the sport. It’s high time we break stereotypes and take such steps.

The initiative will also help in spotting talent from this part of the society. Sports is a way of life and everybody has a right to practice it. This effort is praiseworthy and organising it in a larger scale will only help the sport develop in the country.

Edited by Staff Editor