Sanju Samson spotted walking incognito in Thiruvananthapuram: Fencer Akhila shares fan moment
A man wearing a helmet, a simple black t-shirt, shorts, and carrying a backpack walked casually along the busy roads of Kowdiar in Thiruvananthapuram. To most passersby in the morning hustle, he was just another pedestrian. However, international fencer Akhila Anil, who was out having morning tea
A man wearing a helmet, a simple black t-shirt, shorts, and carrying a backpack walked casually along the busy roads of Kowdiar in Thiruvananthapuram. To most passersby in the morning hustle, he was just another pedestrian. However, international fencer Akhila Anil, who was out having morning tea
A man wearing a helmet, a simple black t-shirt, shorts, and carrying a backpack walked casually along the busy roads of Kowdiar in Thiruvananthapuram. To most passersby in the morning hustle, he was just another pedestrian. However, international fencer Akhila Anil, who was out having morning tea
A man wearing a helmet, a simple black t-shirt, shorts, and carrying a backpack walked casually along the busy roads of Kowdiar in Thiruvananthapuram. To most passersby in the morning hustle, he was just another pedestrian. However, international fencer Akhila Anil, who was out having morning tea with her friends, paused in surprise. Spotting something familiar about the stranger, she parked her vehicle on the roadside and ran towards him, calling out, "Chetta..." (Brother). When he did not turn around, she took a chance and shouted, "Sanju Chetta..."
The man stopped, turned around, and asked with a smile, "So you recognised me?" Beneath the helmet was none other than Indian cricketer Sanju Samson, taking a quiet walk like an ordinary citizen. For Akhila, an accomplished sportsperson herself, it was the ultimate fan moment. Sanju, who recently returned home after the T20 series against New Zealand, is currently spending quality time with his family in Thiruvananthapuram. He had stepped out in Kowdiar for personal errands when the unexpected meeting took place.
Speaking about the dream encounter, Akhila shared her excitement. "After MS Dhoni retired from cricket, Sanju Chetta became my favourite cricketer," she said. "Although I had seen him at a few events previously, I never had the chance to approach him or ask for a picture. When I saw him walking, I instantly recognised him. My friends were doubtful, but I decided to approach him even if it meant risking a moment of embarrassment. It turned out to be a surreal fan moment." The two spent a few minutes chatting before taking a selfie together.
Hailing from Pathanamthitta, Akhila is an international fencer who has represented India at prestigious events, including the Commonwealth Championships, Asian Championships, and the Thailand Open, winning several national and international medals. She holds a diploma in sports coaching, has served as a coach for the Wayanad Sports Council, and even coached the Indian team at the Asian Championship. In 2025, she secured a post as a clerk in the Local Self-Government Department (LSGD) under the sports quota and is currently posted at the Principal Directorate in Thiruvananthapuram.