Chennai: The nation's proud sports star and Olympian Shiny Wilson is officially retiring from service on Saturday. After 41 years of service, Shiny is retiring from the position of General Manager at the Food Corporation of India (FCI).

A grand farewell function will be held in Chennai on Saturday, with FCI Chairman and Managing Director Ashutosh Agnihotri attending the event.

Shiny began her career at the FCI's Thiruvananthapuram office on March 16, 1984, at the age of 18, and also served in Mumbai. "I am grateful to my superiors and colleagues. I was able to contribute to the development of the sports sector while in service. I am happy that I could bring many people, including Malayalis, into FCI. I also had the opportunity to support many talented persons by offering them scholarship," said Shiny.

Shiny was born on May 8, 1965, in Vazthala, Thodupuzha, in Idukki district, to Kurishingal Abraham and Mariamma. While studying for her pre-degree at Alphonsa College, Pala, she became the individual champion at the All India Inter-University Athletic Meet. After this, she was appointed as a clerk in FCI.

The same year was the Los Angeles Olympics. When Shiny returned after emerging as a star at the event, she was promoted as manager. In 1988, she married Wilson Cherian, an international swimmer and an officer in the Indian Railways. The couple moved to Chennai in 1992. Shiny participated consecutively in the Los Angeles, Seoul, Barcelona, and Atlanta Olympics. In 1992, at the Barcelona Olympics, she became the first Indian woman to carry the national flag at the opening ceremony.

She competed in 75 international meets and won over 80 international medals. She has been honoured with the Arjuna Award and the Padma Shri. She holds several important positions, including member of the SAI Governing Body, Indian Athletics Team Selection Committee, and the Asian Athletics Commission. Shiny expressed her wish to relocate to Kochi.

Children: Shilpa Wilson, Sandra Wilson, Shane Wilson.