At 70, Mysuru’s Master Athlete Vijaya Ramesh continues to defy age with discipline and yoga, training rigorously for her 19th International Athletics Meet in South Korea this September.
Achievement knows no barriers of age or gender. In sport, what truly matters is dedication, discipline and an unwavering will. Seventy-year-old Vijaya Ramesh of Mysuru embodies these values so completely that her achievements on the field continue to inspire people across generations.
At a time when many young people are increasingly drawn to screens and social media and hesitate to step onto playgrounds, Vijaya stands as a striking contrast.
Even at 70, she is training with determination for the long jump event at the World Meet scheduled to be held in South Korea in September 2026. The competition will mark her 19th international appearance and with rigorous daily practice, she hopes to once again raise India’s flag on the global stage.
By Ganesh Anil
Born in Mandya district to Singarigowda and Ningamma, Vijaya studied up to the 10th standard. From her school days, she displayed a strong interest in sports, particularly athletics and kho-kho and regularly took part in competitions.
Life takes a decisive turn
Her life took a decisive turn after her marriage in 1975 to C. Ramesh, a disciplined soldier in the Indian Air Force and a passionate sports enthusiast. After their wedding, the couple moved to Pune.
Ramesh, who had himself participated in around 40 marathons, soon recognised Vijaya’s interest and potential in athletics. Encouraging her to pursue sport seriously, he began practising with her every day. That shared commitment became the foundation of Vijaya’s remarkable sporting journey.
Because of Ramesh’s postings during his Air Force service, the family lived in several cities, including Pune, Agra, Delhi and Bengaluru. After retiring from the Air Force, he worked at Canara Bank.
He remained the strongest pillar of support in Vijaya’s sporting life until his passing in 2015 due to health issues. From the day of their marriage until his final days, he stood by her ambitions and encouraged her to push beyond limits.
A life defined by discipline
Discipline defines Vijaya’s everyday life even today. She wakes up at 5 am, begins her day with an hour of pranayama and yoga and then walks six kilometres before starting her athletics practice.
Well-trained in yoga, she also conducts evening yoga classes. Her strict adherence to yoga, exercise and a balanced diet has helped her maintain excellent health even at the age of 70.
Unlike many athletes who focus on a single discipline, Vijaya has excelled in multiple events. Her repertoire includes high jump, long jump, 80-metre hurdles, 100-metre sprint, discus throw, javelin throw and hammer throw.
Recently, she competed in the national-level long jump championship held in Kerala, where she earned selection to represent India at the upcoming World Meet in South Korea this September.
A home full of medals
Over the decades, her home has filled with medals, certificates and honours earned across continents. Her international success began in 1995 when she won a silver medal in the 80-metre hurdles in Thailand.
Two years later, in 1997, she clinched gold medals in hurdles and high jump at the Asian Championship in China. In 1999, she repeated the feat in Malaysia, again winning gold in hurdles and high jump.
Her winning streak continued through the years. In 2002, she secured a gold medal in the high jump in Singapore. At the 2004 Meet in Malaysia, she swept gold medals in hurdles, high jump and long jump, along with a silver in the 4×100 relay.
Vijaya went on to win gold in the high jump in Sri Lanka in 2006 and again in Thailand in 2008. In 2009, she earned a bronze medal in the high jump in Bangkok.
Her versatility was further evident in later years. In 2011, she won gold in the javelin throw in Sri Lanka. In 2017, she claimed gold medals in both shot put and discus throw in Singapore. At the 2019 Championships in Sri Lanka, she added multiple medals in discus throw, javelin throw and long jump to her tally. Beyond Asia, Vijaya has also competed in Championships held in Australia, the United States and France, representing India in International Masters Athletics Events.
State-level Award in 2022
In recognition of her remarkable achievements, the Karnataka Government honoured her with a State-level Award in 2022 during World Senior Citizens Day. She has also received the Kannada Rajyotsava Award at the district-level, as well as honours during Republic Day and Independence Day celebrations.
Among her many recognitions are the Kreeda Ratna Award, the Dakshina Kesari Award, appreciation from the Rotary Club and international felicitation by the World Vokkaliga Forum in London.
Apart from competing, Vijaya has taken on leadership roles in promoting sports among veteran athletes. She has actively worked with Masters Sports Associations and helped organise State-level competitions.
Positions held
She currently serves as President of the Mysuru Masters Games Association, Vice-President of the Karnataka Masters Games Association and Executive Committee Member of the Pan-India Masters Games Association. She is the Vice-President of Indo-Tibetan Friendship Society (ITFS) and is also associated with the Ex-Servicemen’s Association.
Through her energy, commitment and achievements, Vijaya continues to inspire countless people to stay active and pursue sport regardless of age.
For Vijaya, the philosophy of life is simple and clear. “Achievement has nothing to do with education, gender or age. What truly matters is dedication and discipline. Because of my disciplined lifestyle, yoga and pranayama, I have never faced health problems,” she says.
“As long as I breathe, I will remain engaged in sport. Doctors and engineers may not always get the chance to travel abroad, but through athletics, I have already visited 18 countries. Now I am preparing to compete at the World Meet in South Korea this September,” she reveals.
Her journey stands as a powerful reminder, especially on International Women’s Day (Mar.8), that determination and passion can carry a person far beyond conventional limits.
This post was published on March 18, 2026 6:05 pm