KIYG 2023: Tamil Nadu Twins Triumph After 85km Journey For Synthetic Track Training

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Ansilin M and Akslin M, 18-year-old twins from the coastal village of Karankadu in Tamil Nadu, are no strangers to covering long distances to pursue their athletic goals. Traveling 25 kilometers one way twice a week to train at the Khelo India Athletic Centre in Kanyakumari, the sisters have demonstrated their commitment.

In preparation for the Khelo India Youth Games 2023 in Chennai, they used to travel 85 kilometers to Tirunelveli three times a week to practice on a synthetic track.

Despite the challenges, on a Wednesday evening at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, the twins excelled in the 800m race, securing gold and silver medals. Ansilin expressed happiness about the victory but mentioned their inability to achieve their best timing, attributing it to the lack of a synthetic track in their area.

The sisters began their running journey on muddy grounds in their village, facing difficulties exacerbated by constant coastal region rain.

Financial constraints added to their struggles, with their parents' occupation as a construction laborer in Dubai and the family's limited resources. Although a sibling, Micheal Jenu, recently joined the Army through the Agniveer scheme, providing some financial relief, funding for training and travel remains a challenge.

Despite these obstacles, the sisters have impressed coach Nalvin Raja, who has been training them for over a year and a half. Their passion for running is evident in their close bond and mutual motivation.

The sisters support each other, and their determination was showcased at the Junior Athletics meet in Coimbatore, where they won a silver and bronze medal. Their commitment continued to the Khelo India Youth Games, where they outperformed their previous achievements, pushing the gold medalist from Coimbatore to third position.

Since joining Nalvin, the twins have been training in Kanyakumari twice a week, balancing their school commitments. The story of Ansilin and Akslin reflects their resilience, determination, and the need for better facilities in their region to fulfill their athletic potential.