In a bid to promote equality for the transgender community in the state, a one-day athletic meet was organized by the state government in Kerala. Over 130 people participated in the event held at Central Stadium in state capital Thiruvananthapuram. According to an ANI report, the athletes participated in six sporting events including sprint in 100m, 200m, 400m, 4x100m relay, shot put and long jump.
Around 132 transgenders from 12 districts of the state took part in this first ever event. This is not the first time when the state took initiative for the equal rights of transgender.
The sporting events were followed by a prize distribution ceremony where winners were given trophies. The winning team of athletes was from Mallapuram, who were jubilant at their victory and cheering for the whole team.
According to a report in The News Minute, D Mohanan, District President of the Sports Council, Thiruvananthapuram, who was present in the stadium said that this sport meet could be the first in India.
“This year we organised the event to see that how many people were interested and the response has been good. Next year, we will dedicate more time to it and organise it better,” he reportedly said.
Earlier in December 2016, India’s first transgender school was opened in Kochi with an aim ensure equal opportunities for the community.
In a landmark judgment in 2014, the Supreme Court ruled that transgender people had equal rights under the law, and granted legal status to the third gender. However, transgenders in India continue to face persistent bias.
