In a remarkable display of resilience and determination, an elderly Eelam Tamil woman from Mullaitivu emerged victorious at the Masters Athletics Championships held in the Philippines.
71-year-old Akila Thirunayaki Sriseyananthapavan won gold medals in both the 1,500 and 5,000 metre races, as well as a bronze medal in the 800 meter race, captivating hearts globally.
Competing barefoot against her opponents, Thirunayaka still sprinted her way to victory.
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Born in Mullaitivu, a region deeply affected by Sri Lanka’s genocide of the Tamil people, her triumph has been hailed by locals as a symbol of hope and resilience amid adversity.