PANAJI
As the world eagerly watches the Olympics unfold from Tokyo, a 90-year-old Goan woman considered among the pioneers of women athletics in India has been patiently waiting and watching for decades if and when the Goa government would give her state recognition or even nominate her for the prestigious Padma Shri award.
People passing by the street near Geeta Bakery in Panaji will notice a three-storeyed mural of Mary D'Souza Sequeira (90), but not many may remember the person and her remarkable achievements in sports.
Mary, who traces her roots to Quitula-Aldona, had taken part in the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, the first time India had sent women athletes to the Olympics.
“I am so blessed to be alive, I never dreamt I would live to be 90 and alive to see the 2021 Olympics and to see 56 females in the squad,” said Mary, who is currently staying with her daughter, Marissa, in the USA.
“In 1952, we were two female athletes and two female swimmers who made up the Indian women contingent. Indian women have brought glory in the past few Olympics and I pray that they continue their upward trajectory. I wish both men and women participants continued success. My prayer and blessings to them all.”
Mary, who had the honour of training with the legendary American athlete Jesse Owens, was one of 12 children (five sons and seven daughters) born to their parents, Diogo and Milagrina D’Souza. Mary got married to Saluzinho Sequeira from Saligao and they have two children, Marissa and Richard.
EXCELLENCE IN SPORTS
Mary’s achievements at different sports have been nothing short of remarkable.
She won a silver medal (4x100m relay) and bronze medal (200m) at the Asian Games in 1951 in New Delhi, before taking part in the 1952 Helsinki Olympics. Mary then won the gold (4x100m relay) at the Asian Games in Manila (1954).
What makes Mary’s achievements particularly interesting is the fact that she had also represented India at the World Cup Hockey in London (1953) and the World Cup Hockey in Australia (1956).
Besides, Mary also played badminton and table tennis for the Railways, captaining the Railway hockey team at the nationals for three years (1965-67) and later served the Railways as welfare officer, before retiring as sports officer.
Incidentally, Mary had been selected to represent India at the Melbourne Olympics (1956), but reportedly could not go due to lack of funds.
“I am glad that athletes today do not have to struggle like I did for funds to represent India,” says Mary, who is believed to have even raised funds by organising a dance and whist competition to participate in the 1952 Olympics.
MESSAGE FOR GOANS
Despite her struggle to receive the Padma Shri award, Mary has a positive message for sportspersons in Goa.
“I wish the sportspersons of today play the sport in the spirit of the game. Sports teaches you so much in the game of life. To accept defeat and rise again, to handle success in your stride and be humble and a good sport.”
“Treat your coaches and officials who are not infallible with respect. And if you have the honour to represent your state or country, it is important to win, but also important to remember you are a Sports Ambassador of your country,” says Mary.
Mary’s life and achievements will soon be published in a book 'You Can't Eat Your Fame' by her daughter Marissa Sequeira.
MARY’S ACHIEVEMENTS:
* Won bronze (200m) and silver (4x100m) relay at inaugural Asian Games in 1951 in New Delhi.
* Represented India at the Helsinki Olympics (1952)
* Selected to represent India in Melbourne Olympics (1956), did not go due to lack of funds
* Represented India for World Cup Hockey in London (1953)
* Won gold (4x100m relay) at Asian Games in Manila (1954)
* Represented India for World Cup Hockey in Australia (1956)
* Indian record holder from 1950-1957 in 100m, 200m and 80m Hurdles
* Represented India in Sri Lanka track meet (1957)
* Represented India in India v/s Japan hockey (1964)
* Played badminton, table tennis for the Railways
SEE ALSO: Goan Olympian hopes State proposes her for Padma Shri
