By R. L. Fernando
Winning 52 gold medals and 16 silvers, at nine exposures within a period of 15 years is indeed an achievement by any class.

The pride and honour of such a feat goes to veteran athlete Mallika Satchithananda [64] who had represented the country in Asian Veteran Athletic Championships held in nine countries during the 15 years. Mallika's recent competition was in India in November this year where the bagged four golds. Her favourite event is the 400 metres.

The other countries visited by Mallika in connection with the Asian VeteranS Championships were Singapore, Canada, Indonesia, Australia, Taiwan, Denmark, Malaysia and Japan.

Mallika was extremely proud when she told the 'Sunday Island' that she has been certified fit by the medical sphere and that she hopes to participate at such competition as long as she can. Her next meet will be in Peking, China in the Year 2002. "I wouldn't mind "Calling it a day" while in action on the track" she said.

Mallika took to athletics when at Veyangoda Central where she excelled as the school's athletic champion for about 6 years after participating in three events - the 100 yards, 200 yards and long jump. She was also Gampaha District's athletic champion for about 4 years.

She began her professional career as a telephone operator in the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications where she served for 39 years before her retirement and there too she excelled in the same three events with success.

Outside her place of work she was a member of the famous Ace Athletic Club and was the national record holder for the 800 metres and 1500 metres from 1976 to 1979.

It was in 1976 that Mallika made her inaugural appearance at a foreign meet when she was taken to Chandigargh in India by that famous athletic coach the late Anthony Abeysinghe to perform at the Indo-Ceylon meet, and ever since she has made her mark at Asian veteran games with success.

In 1976 Mallika also emerged winner of the National Walking Championships conducted by the sports Ministry.