WMA brass attend Indian masters nationals, urge more support

So WMA President Stan Perkins and Secretary Winston Thomas were in India over the weekend for masters nationals. They’ll both likely attend IAAF Portland worlds as well, I imagine. Nice gig. So what did they do in India? Tell them to clean up their warring affiliates act? Unsure. Our only clue comes from this report in The Hindu: “Indian masters lack coaches,” Perkins is quoted as saying. “There is a need to promote the culture of sports among masters in India.” There’s also a need to post recent results. None here that I can find. (The meet ended March 6.)

Prez Perkins (left) and Secr Thomas at India's National Masters Athletics Championships.

Stan (left) and Winston at India’s National Masters Athletics Championships.

Here’s the story for posterity:

Despite a huge pool of talent, precious little is being done to promote the culture of sports among senior citizens in India, the World Masters Athletics (WMA) has observed.

In Mysuru to oversee the 37th National Masters Athletics Championship, WMA president Stanley Perkins and secretary Winston Thomas appeared impressed with the huge turnout and the commitment displayed.

As many as 3,335 men and women above 35 years, including octogenarians and nonagenarians, participated in various events at the Chamundi Vihar stadium in Mysuru during the last five days.

“No wonder India’s participation in the World Masters Athletics Championship has not only seen a steady increase in the last few years, but also in the performance,” said Mr. Thomas.

While the number of participants increased from around 100 to 130 athletes in the 2011 event to roughly 200 participants in last year’s event in France, India bagged more medals than China.

Mr. Thomas said that “diet and the natural food” held Indian participants in good stead.

Mr. Perkins said that India’s good performance in the World Masters Athletics Championship could also be attributed to less stiff competition than regular international events. But, India’s performance can further improve if the sports authorities in the country could provide senior citizens with necessary coaching and infrastructure.

“Indian masters lack coaches,” he said. “There is a need to promote the culture of sports among masters in India”, he said.