THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Providing a platform for the transgender community in the state to display their athletic ability, the first-ever Kerala State Transgenders Athletics Meet was organised by the Kerala State Sports Council at the Central Stadium here on Friday.
Around 100 participants from nine districts of Kerala competed in the one-day meet which had competitions like 100 metre, 200 metre and 400 metre races, 4x100 metre relay, long jump and shot put.
Aimed at bringing the community to the mainstream through sports, this is the first time that a government has taken the initiative to conduct a sports meet for transgenders anywhere in the country, said the organisers.
Inaugurating the athletics championship, Sports Minister A C Moideen said Kerala would set a standard for the world when it comes to participation of this community in sporting activities. “You should know that this is not a sympathetic gesture from the government. Instead, this is a consideration,” the minister told the athletes.
“Athletes who prove their ability in this meet will be considered for special training by the Sports Council,” he said.
S Sreekutty, president of the Kerala Sexual and Gender Minorities Federation, said that such initiatives will help in ending the discrimination towards transgenders. “Until recently, the situation was such that we had to run away from the society. Now we are aiming high,” Sreekutty said.
Triumph over discrimination
Ragesh of Malappuram emerged as the fastest athlete of the meet winning the 100 metre race ahead of Kanchi and Manju of Kannur who took second and third positions respectively. Anusoorya of Kottayam won the 200 metre race