You visit a tea stall expecting nice tea and maybe some tasty snacks. What if you get a great conversation too? At Antony’s tea stall in Kochi, great conversations peppered generously with health tips, are the norm. “You should drink lots of water and exercise. That would make your day better,” he says.
How exactly is he qualified to give health advice? Well, Antony is a champion weightlifter. The latest feather in his cap is his victory at the 1st Masters Games Weightlifting, an event conducted by Masters Club of India, in Chandigarh this month. “I tag this as my life’s greatest achievement,” says a teary-eyed Antony, recalling the event which had people from the age of 35 to 60. He defeated Indrajit Singh of Punjab, in the 50-59 category, to win gold.
Though his life has been fraught with difficulties, Antony is ever cheerful. It was in the 90s that Antony moved from his hometown of Tirunelveli to Kochi in search of work. At first, he was a hotel employee and later, he started his own tea stall. “I feel very happy when I see people go for morning walks or jogging. I smile and salute them,” says Antony, who has always had an affinity for fitness.
In the early years, Antony was encouraged by his friend to work out. That is when he joined Ernakulam Gym, where the fees at that time was '2. Antony was later awarded lifetime membership. It was a Ramanadhan sir who inspired him.
“I feel very sad that youngsters today go to the gym to show off. They do not care about their body. They have lots of medicines and powders to make them easily fit, without putting in the effort,” he says. Though he makes just enough money to meet his needs and has had a tough life, his passion for lifting makes him work out every day. Over the years, he has received many medals.
About four years ago, some youngsters from Idukki came to get trained in weightlifting. Their trainer, Ravi, trained Antony too and led him to Chandigarh. “I don’t remember the details. Ravi sir told me to concentrate on lifting. When I completed the sixth round, I was leading with 17 kg,” Antony recalls the competition.
Antony’s family, especially wife Mallika, plays a major role in his success. He is blessed with two children — son Ezza, a basketball player, and daughter Ann Maria.
