Thiruvananthapuram: Muhammad Ajmal Variyathodi should have been overwhelmed with joy when he learned that he had been selected for the Arjuna Award. It was one of the biggest recognitions of his career, a moment any athlete would treasure. Yet, when contacted after a training session at the SAI National Centre of Excellence in Thiruvananthapuram, Ajmal’s voice carried more grief than celebration.“It was my ummachi who wished for my success the most,” Ajmal said, referring to his mother, Asiya. “But she died 19 days ago. Now I miss her so much. If she was alive, I would have shared this news first with her,” said Ajmal who hails from Marayamangalam in Cherpulassery, Palakkad.Asiya passed away on July 19, leaving a void in Ajmal’s life. The 28-year-old athlete shared a close bond with his parents, and his mother had been one of his strongest sources of support throughout his journey. Her death came as a shock for the sprinter. “She seemed healthy till that day. But at night she felt a sudden chest pain, and by the time we took her to the hospital, she was gone,” he said.For Ajmal, the Arjuna Award is both a proud and painful milestone. He had not expected the honour, but receiving it has reminded him of the sacrifices and faith of his family. “I had not expected to win the award, but when I got it, it was a special feeling. I am immensely grateful to my parents and brothers for believing in me. Without their support, I wouldn’t have achieved anything like this,” he said.Ajmal has been a key member of India’s 4x400m relay squad, which has produced remarkable performances in recent years. The team won gold at the 2022 Asian Games and silver at the 2023 Asian Athletics Championships. He was also part of the Indian relay team that created history at the 2023 World Athletics Championships by qualifying for the final for the first time. In the heats, the quartet clocked 2:59.05, breaking the then Asian record.Ajmal’s journey began in Palakkad, where his talent was spotted during his school days. While studying at GHSS in Cherpulassery, he was more interested in sports, especially football. His physical education teacher, Nandhan, noticed his speed and encouraged him to join Kalladi HS. That decision changed his life. Ajmal went on to win gold in the 100m and 200m at both state and national school meets.After school, he joined MA College, Kothamangalam, where renowned coach Peter Paul helped shape his athletics career. Today, as he trains under Jaison Dawson, Ajmal continues to chase greater goals, carrying his mother’s memory with him.
