‘Symbol of willpower’: Kerala nun, 55, wins ‘State Masters’ race in hurdles

New Delhi: Kerala nun Sister Sabina pulled off remarkable performance in hurdles at the State Masters Athletics meet, The Indian Express reported.

Dressed in light blue habit, the 55-year-old sprinted across hurdles bagging first place in the 55-plus category.

Sister Sabina, a national-level hurdler as a teenager, was originally from Ennappara in Kasaragod before relocated to Wayanad in 1993.

Sister Sabina began her athletic journey as a class 9 student participating in national hurdles events, and later continued shining at university-level competitions as well.

When she became a physical education teacher, Sister Sabina began focusing on aspirant athletes.

The Masters Athletics meet marked her last appearance in hurdles competition before retiring.

‘Next March, I am retiring from my role as a physical education teacher. I wanted to compete one last time before retiring, which is why I came to the State Masters meet,’ she reportedly said.

Kerala’s Education Minister V Sivankutty praised Sister Sabina saying her victory is a ‘symbol of willpower’ adding it shows ‘age or circumstances are no obstacle to any goal’.

‘Despite being 55 years old, this victory achieved in the competition in her nun’s attire is a symbol of willpower. Sister has proven through her own life that age or circumstances are no obstacle to any goal. This teacher’s dedication is an inspiration to her students and the general public alike. I wish Sister Sabina all the best,’ he reportedly wrote.