Asian Games medallist Arokia Rajiv set to hang up his boots, wishes to open athletics academy

Asian Games gold medallist Arokia Rajiv announced that he is retiring from the track after 15 years of representing the country at the highest level.

“It’s been a long time, and it’s time to devote some time to my family. I was hoping to participate in the 2024 Olympics, but injuries kept recurring,” Rajiv told Sportstar in a telephonic conversation.

The 34-year-old first rose to fame after winning bronze in the 400m during the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, breaking a 16-year drought for India in the discipline. The sprinter from Lalgudi in Trichy struck gold in the next edition of the games in Jakarta, winning the mixed 4x400m relay with Muhammed Anas, M.R. Poovamma and Hima Das with a time of 3:15.71. Rajiv also bagged a silver in the men’s 4x400m relay, partnering Anas, Kunhu Muhammed and Dharun Ayyasamy.

Rajiv, who holds the rank of Subedar in the Indian Army, said apart from his continental medals, breaking the relay National Record in Turkey in 2016 was among his most cherished moments.

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The Trichy athlete was part of the Indian relay team for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where the quartet of Rajiv, Anas, Amoj Jacob and Noah Nirmal Tom broke the Asian and National Records with a time of 3:00.25 to finish fourth in the heats.

“It is the dream of every athlete to participate in the Olympics. But, I’m disappointed that I couldn’t win a medal in the two editions I participated [2016 and 2020],” Rajiv said.

Rajiv says he intends to delve into coaching after completing his diploma and wishes to open an academy in his hometown in Lalgudi.

“Athletes there are having to travel 30 km to reach the stadium. So I hope I can start an academy where I can help the ones with fire in their bellies,” the quarter-miler said.