Welcome to Kozhikode!

Two sporting stars from Kozhikode are welcoming young athletes from across Kerala to the State School Sports Meet being held in the city on behalf of Kerala Kaumudi. They are former Indian volleyball captain Tom Joseph and Olympian Jinson Johnson. Both athletes look back on their experiences at school sports meets and share words of encouragement with the young participants.

Savour the sweetness of sports!

Tom Joseph

Although I am a volleyball player, my sporting journey began as a runner during my school days. I still vividly remember taking part in the sub-district sports meet held at Perambra. Since I was one of the fastest runners in my school, I was selected to compete in the 100-metre race and the relay.

It was my first time running on a mud track marked with lanes. I was both excited and nervous. I finished third in both events. Those were the first medals of my life, and I still have them with me. Since I did not finish first or second, I could not qualify for the district-level meet. I later turned to volleyball.

I have just one message for everyone taking part in this sports meet: winning or losing is not what matters most. Participation is what counts. Only one of the eight runners on a track can finish first. But it takes all eight of them to make it a race. Winning a gold medal here does not automatically make someone a world-class athlete. Similarly, not winning a medal does not mean that someone cannot become a great athlete in the future.

Applaud those who win, and those who win should appreciate the competitors who ran alongside them. That is the true spirit of sportsmanship.

Kozhikode is a city that loves sports as much as it loves art. Whether you win or lose, make sure you enjoy the city's warm hospitality before you leave. May the memories of Kozhikode halwa and biryani stay with you for years to come!

There is still a long way to go

Jinson Johnson

As the sports meet begins in Kozhikode, I have many memories to look back on. This is the land where I began running and the grounds that gave speed to my dreams.

School sports meets play a major role in developing children's interest in sports and identifying their talents. These events do more than provide an opportunity to compete. They also help children build confidence and encourage them to dream big. Children should make the best use of the importance now given to sports and the facilities being provided for them.

Every child can begin a journey towards big goals from here. They should see the sports meet as a starting point. There will be wins and losses, but no one should lose heart because of them. There is still a long way to go.

My first state-level competition was held in Kottayam in 2007, when I was a Plus Two student. I won gold in the 1,500-metre event. I also took part in several district-level sports meets in Kozhikode.

Returning to the same grounds where I once competed as an athlete, now as an Olympian, I can see how much the sports scene has changed. I used to train at a small panchayat ground near my home. When I competed at the state level, the races were held on mud tracks. Today, Kozhikode has several grounds with synthetic tracks. Children now have access to better training facilities and opportunities.

Of the thousands of children taking part in the competitions, only a few may get the opportunity to reach major platforms such as the Olympics. But that should not disappoint the others. Take part in the competitions, recognise your abilities and work towards your goals. Winning or losing is never the end of the road. Keep working hard. There will be many obstacles along the way, but do not let them discourage you. Move forward with confidence. Hard work will bring results. I can assure you of that.