Avanthika makes her sprinter mom proud by claiming Javelin gold

When Avanthika K S of M K N M H School, Kumaramangalam in Idukki, hurled the javelin to clinch the gold, her mother, a former athlete and current physical education teacher, was overwhelmed with pride.

Avanthika, hailing from a family of athletes, won the event with a throw of 33.94 metres in the senior girls’ javelin throw at the Kerala State School Sports Meet in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday.

The plus-one student faced stiff competition from Abina C R of Kottayi GHSS, Palakkad, who claimed the silver with a throw of 33.79 metres, while Evana Rose Sunil of Sacred Heart HSS, Thiruvambadi, Kozhikode, took the bronze with 31.69 metres.

Avanthika’s mother, Minija, a former sprinter, represented her school at the national level in the 100-metre hurdles during the 1991–92 season. She now works as a physical education teacher at BRC School, Madakkathanam.

Her elder sister, Anarkali, has also competed at the state school level in the high jump. Avanthika's father, Sunil Kumar, is a retired Excise Department officer.

Avanthika began her javelin training in Class IX under the guidance of coach Baby Francis.