Photos: Thailand’s seniors compete in first national ‘Elderly Games’ | Hindustan Times
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Photos: Thailand’s seniors compete in first national ‘Elderly Games’

Updated On Apr 27, 2018 02:10 PM IST

Over a 1,000 elderly participants competing in age categories from 60-65 and all the way to 95-99 gathered in Thailand’s northern Nan province through this week, defying age stereotypes and the searing sun in the first government-backed ‘Elderly Games’, organised to promote an active lifestyle among seniors as Thailand tries to stave off an ageing crisis. Held in an outdoor sports complex, the mood was festive, with cheering crowds and athletes helping each other out after they crossed the finish line. While some chased records and medals, others were just out for fun.

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An elderly woman in the 75-80 age category starts the 400-metre race during Thailand’s first national Elderly Games in the northern Thai province of Nan. Competitors who gathered in northern Nan province defied age stereotypes and the searing sun in the government-backed sporting event, organised to promote an active lifestyle among seniors as Thailand tries to stave off an ageing crisis. (Lillian Suwanrumpha / AFP) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on Apr 27, 2018 02:10 PM IST

An elderly woman in the 75-80 age category starts the 400-metre race during Thailand’s first national Elderly Games in the northern Thai province of Nan. Competitors who gathered in northern Nan province defied age stereotypes and the searing sun in the government-backed sporting event, organised to promote an active lifestyle among seniors as Thailand tries to stave off an ageing crisis. (Lillian Suwanrumpha / AFP)

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Aged 98, Sawang Janpram cruised to victory in the 100-metre sprint, came first in the discus and set a record in the javelin -- the undisputed star of Thailand’s first national Elderly Games held this week. “I saw many people my age ailing in bed and I didn’t want to be like that. So I began to exercise,” the spry Sawang told AFP.. (Lillian Suwanrumpha / AFP) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on Apr 27, 2018 02:10 PM IST

Aged 98, Sawang Janpram cruised to victory in the 100-metre sprint, came first in the discus and set a record in the javelin -- the undisputed star of Thailand’s first national Elderly Games held this week. “I saw many people my age ailing in bed and I didn’t want to be like that. So I began to exercise,” the spry Sawang told AFP.. (Lillian Suwanrumpha / AFP)

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Men in the 60-65 age category run the 400m sprint.Thailand’s population is getting older, and fast, posing risks to the middle-income country’s social and medical services as well as its economic productivity. (Lillian Suwanrumpha / AFP) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on Apr 27, 2018 02:10 PM IST

Men in the 60-65 age category run the 400m sprint.Thailand’s population is getting older, and fast, posing risks to the middle-income country’s social and medical services as well as its economic productivity. (Lillian Suwanrumpha / AFP)

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An competitor in the 65-70 age category rests after completing the 400-metre race. By 2031, the percentage of the population over 60 is expected to nearly double to 28% according to the National Economic and Social Development Board. (Lillian Suwanrumpha / AFP) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on Apr 27, 2018 02:10 PM IST

An competitor in the 65-70 age category rests after completing the 400-metre race. By 2031, the percentage of the population over 60 is expected to nearly double to 28% according to the National Economic and Social Development Board. (Lillian Suwanrumpha / AFP)

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A runner in the 75-80 age category is assisted after winning the 400m sprint. “Now Thailand is a fully-fledged ageing society it’s the right time and place to hold these activities,” Nattavuth Ruengves, deputy governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand, told AFP on the sidelines of the competition. (Lillian Suwanrumpha / AFP) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on Apr 27, 2018 02:10 PM IST

A runner in the 75-80 age category is assisted after winning the 400m sprint. “Now Thailand is a fully-fledged ageing society it’s the right time and place to hold these activities,” Nattavuth Ruengves, deputy governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand, told AFP on the sidelines of the competition. (Lillian Suwanrumpha / AFP)

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Women rest from exhaustion after competing in the 400-metre race. The event, which concludes Friday, aims to boost healthcare among seniors, with the added draw of competitors enjoying the opportunity to meet friends. Held in an outdoor sports complex, the atmosphere was festive, with cheering crowds and athletes helping each other after they crossed the finish line. (Lillian Suwanrumpha / AFP) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on Apr 27, 2018 02:10 PM IST

Women rest from exhaustion after competing in the 400-metre race. The event, which concludes Friday, aims to boost healthcare among seniors, with the added draw of competitors enjoying the opportunity to meet friends. Held in an outdoor sports complex, the atmosphere was festive, with cheering crowds and athletes helping each other after they crossed the finish line. (Lillian Suwanrumpha / AFP)

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Men in the 60-65 age category compete in the 100-metre hurdles race. The seven-day event drew more than 1,000 athletes from across the country. (Lillian Suwanrumpha / AFP) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on Apr 27, 2018 02:10 PM IST

Men in the 60-65 age category compete in the 100-metre hurdles race. The seven-day event drew more than 1,000 athletes from across the country. (Lillian Suwanrumpha / AFP)

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A woman in the 65-70 age category competes in the discus throw. Participants battled it out in sports as far apart as football, body building and ballroom dancing to sepak takraw, a traditional volleyball game in which players use their feet instead of hands. (Lillian Suwanrumpha / AFP) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on Apr 27, 2018 02:10 PM IST

A woman in the 65-70 age category competes in the discus throw. Participants battled it out in sports as far apart as football, body building and ballroom dancing to sepak takraw, a traditional volleyball game in which players use their feet instead of hands. (Lillian Suwanrumpha / AFP)

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Duangpee Sansing (C), the 81-year-old winner of a 400-metre race, rests after completing the race. “It doesn’t matter if I get a medal or not, I feel happy to see friends competing together,” Sansing said. (Lillian Suwanrumpha / AFP) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on Apr 27, 2018 02:10 PM IST

Duangpee Sansing (C), the 81-year-old winner of a 400-metre race, rests after completing the race. “It doesn’t matter if I get a medal or not, I feel happy to see friends competing together,” Sansing said. (Lillian Suwanrumpha / AFP)

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An elderly competitor shows off his medals. The age groups competing ranged from those approaching middle age to Sawang’s bracket, 95 to 99. An unofficial version of the event was organised last year by the Senior Citizens Council. (Lillian Suwanrumpha / AFP) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on Apr 27, 2018 02:10 PM IST

An elderly competitor shows off his medals. The age groups competing ranged from those approaching middle age to Sawang’s bracket, 95 to 99. An unofficial version of the event was organised last year by the Senior Citizens Council. (Lillian Suwanrumpha / AFP)

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Although his athletic prowess helped him blitz rivals with a 24.59 second dash to claim the 100-metres, Sawang said the event was more about camaraderie than crowing. “I want to be here to meet many friends and most of the athletes here are nice and helpful -- it makes me feel warm inside,” he said. (Lillian Suwanrumpha / AFP) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on Apr 27, 2018 02:10 PM IST

Although his athletic prowess helped him blitz rivals with a 24.59 second dash to claim the 100-metres, Sawang said the event was more about camaraderie than crowing. “I want to be here to meet many friends and most of the athletes here are nice and helpful -- it makes me feel warm inside,” he said. (Lillian Suwanrumpha / AFP)

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