Kerala's Asian Games hero Afsal shares warmth with his sports teacher at Palakkad school

Parali: Kerala’s Mohammed Afsal Pulikkalakath, who won silver in the men’s 800m at the Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou arrived on a flight to Kerala around 1 AM on Thursday. The young athlete did not waste much of his time. The 27-year-old athlete reached his school in Parali by 8 AM in the morning. 

Afsal, holding the medal in his hands, walked up to his former sports teacher Manoj. It was indeed an emotional moment for the duo, years had rolled back in their minds, and Afsal was still feeling like the class 8 student in Parali school. In a pleasing sight to the eyes around, he handed over his hard-fought medal to his beloved teacher.

“I strongly believe that Manoj sir had a huge role to play in my success in life so far. I am forever indebted to him. I feel extremely lucky to be the disciple of a master like him, who guides his students both by loving them and by pointing out their mistakes.,” said India’s star athlete Mohammed Afsal Pulikkalakath.

In response, Manoj said, “The medal secured by his student Afsal is the biggest recognition he has received in his life so far.” He also expressed hope that Afsal would serve as an inspiration for students in Parali who are preparing for the state sports meet.

Ottapalam native Mohammed Afsal had joined the Parali school in class 8. Within a year, he turned into the shining star of Parali within a year. He landed a job at the Indian Air Force as a junior warrant officer. 

He gifted his Indian jersey and presents given to him by the organisers of the Asian Games to Manoj.