While the world is distracted by GenZers and their achievements, sexagenarian athlete Fareez Vasania continues to defy the odds by pushing the boundaries on the track. We meet the athlete for whom age is just a number
Fareez Vasania warms up at Dadar Parsi Gymkhana lawns
There is a school of thought partly driven by their portrayal in Hindi cinema, a la Ashok Kumar in Khatta Meetha (1978), that Parsis prefer intellectual pursuits to hardy, outdoorsy activities. However, as we walk past the green environs of Dadar Parsi Colony towards the iconic Gymkhana, this interpretation takes a U-turn. At 61, Fareez Vasania likes to defy the depiction. The muscled athlete has a George Carlin-meets-Roberto Baggio look that makes us think twice. “I just finished my workout,” he shares, as he greets us.
Made in the Baug
Vasania has just returned from a victorious stint at Taipei clinching three gold medals in the high jump, long jump and triple jump categories. This is his fourth stint at the World Masters. “My first was in 2009, when I participated in the Sydney World Masters,” Vasania adds. He won the silver in Sydney for triple jump followed by a bronze in New Zealand in 2017.
The athlete does leg raises in the gym. Pics/Sayyed Sameer Abedi
“My first, though, was a certificate for the 1500 metres right here,” he chuckles, pointing at the muddy outfield of the Dadar Parsi Gymkhana, adding, “I was five years old. I was told to run, and I just did it.” A naughty child ‘with tremendous energy’, it was natural that Vasania’s parents pushed him towards sport. He must have been good at it seeing how he made it through to play football with Air-India. Vasania freelanced as a photographer, while on contract with the team to keep the funds going. “In fact, mid-day covered me in the early 1990s, with a picture of me heading the ball in the Sports section,” he shares.
A dated photograph of Vasania (centre) playing as a striker
Even after retiring from the National Football League, he was a regular at the Baug games. The Parsi community, he reveals, has had a long sporting tradition. “In addition to regular athletics and cricket matches between the Parsi colonies, we host three football tournaments through the year. If not here, then at Rustom Baug in Byculla or Cusrow Baug in Colaba,” he shares.
Strength before age
It has left him in good stead. As we set up for the shoot, he quickly warms up, before stepping up to the deadlift plate. Vasania hardly requires a spotter as he benches an easy 100kg for multiple reps. He follows it up with a session on the pull up bars. “It is not just about competitive sports either. As you grow old, you need to be strong enough to take care of yourself.
Vasania with the Indian National Flag at the World Masters in Taipei
All you need is 15 minutes of free-hand exercises. It can help you avoid trouble later,” he suggests, as a piece of advice. We sigh and make a mental note to revisit that annual gym subscription for the umpteenth time. Vasania was mentored by fellow Masters athlete Rohinton Mehta, and Dinsu Daruvalla — formerly Mr Bombay, 1979.
Diet right
With a regular diet — except for the emphasis on the Parsi staple of eeda (eggs) — Vasania keeps it simple. “At my age, less is more. I already have the biomechanics in place, all I need to do is listen to my body,” he insists.
Not easy for seniors
Yet, if this gave us any hope of signing up for the next Masters competition, Vasania laughs it off. “It is not like the competition is easy. You cannot simply turn 50, and do a Fosbury Flop. You will break all your bones,” he laughs. The prep work is crucial given the poor roll of the dice that goes against Indian athletes in terms of genetics, facilities and often, support.
Things are changing though. “The younger generation is better educated about fitness. I see quite a few of them train, but the focus is hardly ever sport,” he reveals. However, there remains the question of infrastructure. With the Asian Athletics at hand in November in Chennai, he is already preparing for the next challenge. “I am lucky to fall back on my savings. But it is not an easy thing to be a senior athlete in India. Few understand that it is just as competitive,” he reveals.
Dos
>> Listen to your body, and understand its needs.
>> Spend 15 minutes every day to do a simple workout.
>> Focus on strengthening your legs, mobility and improved agility. It helps you age better
Don’ts
>> Try not to stress yourself about growing old
>> Stay away from chemicals or artificial nutrients as far as possible
>> Do not ignore the body’s need for rest
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
