Veterans light up the courts

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It was almost two-and-a-half decades back that he first won the sub-junior title in the state championship at the Udyogamangal courts, but Jaison Xavier was as chirpy as ever when he came out to play at the memorable venue on Friday.

Meanwhile, on a different court, another player, Jaseel P. Ismail, was seen rallying against younger opponents and then there was Markose Bristo, seated on a platform, waiting for his round to begin.
“I don’t come to play for a place in the state team, those days are well behind us,” says Jaison with a smile. “It is my passion. I still practice everyday so when the tournament is held I just come by to give it a try.”

On the other side, Jaseel, who in his prime donned national colours in doubles, partnering Arjuna Award-winning former shuttler George Thomas, says he had come by to pair with a player who was partner-less in the doubles event.

“I am no longer a regular competitor and came here because one of the players could not find a doubles partner. It is not like a second coming, however, just the experience of competing once again,” says Jaseel.

Jaseel’s longtime partner George had long since hung up his boots and his 16-year-old son Arun is a sensation on the courts these days.

Jaison, who is employed in the Life Insurance Corporation of India, and Jaseel, who works with the Indian Oil Corporation, are from the golden era of Kerala badminton. They have now passed on the baton to hundreds of inspired youngsters.

“The game has changed a lot from our times, advanced racquets and better training facilities have let the sport blossom big time. Our generation was almost self-tutored, unlike these days when kids get specialised training right from a tender age, which is great,” said Jaison.

But, Jaseel, who has five national titles under his belt, feels despite the several advancements and promotions, the fighting spirit of the players, has taken a beating.

“We all started playing in singles and it was only later that we shifted to doubles. These days, kids begin in doubles because they are not confident of handling a game by themselves. That is not a good sign,” says Jaseel.

Even though they might be well past their prime, it was still quite a sight to watch the veteran players play, for old times’ sake.