The joy of sports transcends generations, as exemplified by two talented sportswomen who have proven that age is no barrier to pursuing athletics. Archi Katkar, aged 14, and Maria Imelda De Souza, aged 92, may be four generations apart, each with their own unique stories and achievements, yet their love for athletics is equally profound.
Early Beginnings and Diverse Talents
A student at Margao's Vidya Vikas Academy, Archi has been a standout performer since her playgroup days, consistently earning the 'Athlete of the Year' title. Over the years, she has built a strong athletic foundation spanning chess, table tennis, and yoga. Remarkably, she secured a state bronze medal in gymnastics by the age of six.
While Archi's journey is marked by deliberate dedication, Imelda's story stands in stark contrast. The primary teacher's transition from an educationist to an athlete was born out of curiosity and a quirky realization. Having spent decades traveling from Mapusa to Nuvem every day for her teaching career, Imelda ran after buses and leaped into moving ferries, starting her day at 4:30 am and returning home at 8 pm. 'I figured that if she could run, catch a bus and rely on the Goan public transport, I could certainly run a race,' says the senior athlete with twinkling, crinkly eyes.
The Journey to Becoming Champions
Archi's sports trajectory shifted toward the athletics track at age 11 when she began training under coach Patrick Soares. Her rise has been fueled by structured, rigorous training and discipline, leading her to win a silver medal at the 2025 Nationals in Bhubaneswar and a stellar performance at the 2026 Goa State Level Athletics Championship, where she claimed gold in the 100m, long jump, and high jump.
'My success is due to the immense trust in my coach's techniques and the unwavering support of my family and Fatorda teammates. My training methods and techniques, combined with the dedication, mentorship, and well-structured training approach, have shaped my athletic journey to success at state and national levels,' quips the champion.
In contrast, Imelda joined what is now the Masters Athletic Federation of India only after her retirement and has never trained a single day in her life. However, she has broken conventions in what was once a younger male-dominated arena, proving that age is just a number. With over 50 certificates and felicitations to her credit—including gold and silver medals at the 11th Asian Veterans Athletic Championship—Imelda is a living testament to the idea that it is never too late to start.
A Shared Heartbeat
Despite their different starting points, both women share a remarkable ability to balance diverse interests. Archi excels in academics, winning bronze in International Vedic Maths and a state-level Spell Bee title. Imelda, a polyglot fluent in five languages, continues to write for Church bulletins and participates in local quiz competitions.
Their message to the next generation is clear. While Archi demonstrates the heights one can reach through early dedication and mentorship, Imelda offers a final bit of seasoned wisdom: 'Instead of wasting your time on gadgets, one should spare time for sports activities and move about without your own vehicles.' Today, they stand together—generations apart but side-by-side in their love for the game.
