India has had its share of exceptional athletes and there have been some greats like P.T. Usha, but one name which shines on its own till date is that of Reeth Abraham. A national champion in long jump and heptathlon, Reeth Abraham is one of the most prominent athletes to have represented India.
She was awarded the Arjuna Award for excellence in sports in the year 1997. In her life span as an athlete, which stretched between 1976 and 1992, Reeth Abraham took part in events as a part of the Karnataka state team and she also represented the national side for India, setting records all along the way.
Her dedication and commitment during her successful run was stunning, and she set her standards high making her an ideal role model for young and aspiring athletes in the country.
The level of dedication from Reeth can be deciphered from the very fact that she won the national championship, just 10 months later after she had given birth to her baby. She also broke the national record at the South Asian Games, as a mother.
Her Early Days and Achievements
Reeth attended Christ the King Convent in Mysore for her schooling. Being a part of her school Kho-Kho team, she went on to become a renowned athlete. She was the first Asian to win an Asian medal as a mother. The national level championships saw Reeth Abraham bag 16 gold medals and 11 silver medals. Reeth is a national champion in sports like 100 metres hurdles, long jump and heptathlon, and she also holds the national record for the last two.
Her International Achievements
On a global scale, Reeth put India’s name up high as she brought home laurels by winning three gold medals and one silver medal after her participation in two Asian Games, two South Asian Games and three Asian Track and Field Championships.
The other glints of glory you can find in Reeth’s trophy cabinet would be the 1983 Rajyotsava Award, the 1990 Dasara Award, and in 1999, the Indian Bank’s Association Award for her stupendous achievements. She has also won the Rotary Award for her contributions towards the development of athletics in India, as well as the Lions Award for her contribution towards athletics.
Recently, on the 9th of June 2011, Reeth Abraham won a silver medal at the Sacramento World Masters Athletics, USA. She continues to inspire younger athletes with her dedication and skill.