This is clear as one converses with the oldest athlete in the meet—89-year-old Shanker Natha Pawar of Maharashtra. The wrinkles on his face seem to be deceptive as it is clear from his body language that once again he is eyeing a berth in the Indian veterans team. He has served the army in his youth and true to the spirit of an armyman he has set for himself the target—of doing India proud in the international arena.

As you talk to him, he tells you about his love for athletics. “Running is my passion. I took to athletics right from school level when I was just 10. I have participated in various district, state and national level meets till now. I took to veteran athletics in 1996 and have won numerous medals in national and international tourneys. I have already won the 5000m gold in my 85-plus age category today and hope to win golds in the remaining events like 10,000m, 1500m and 800m race,” he said with a smile on his face.

BD Sawardekar, who belongs to the above 65 age category, and has won a medal on day-one of the meet said that the reason behind his fitness is that he has played different sports with good dedication. “ During my youth, I had represented my state of Maharashtra in the volleyball nationals. Besides I was quite good in basketball, athletics and kabaddi.”

MD Vyas and RD Jeewan, both of whom are in their 70s, tell you with pride about their performance at the Lucknow nationals.

Women athletes are also full of enthusiasm. Pramila Nagraj of Karnataka who has won medals at Lucknow said she is keenly waiting for the day when the Indian veterans team for the international meets ahead will be announced. Her friend TN Sitamma who won a gold in the shot put said without any hitch, “We'll be selected!”