May I throw these certificates into sea, sir

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Despite playing numerous national football matches fate first tested Vineetha Clement by not giving her a job. Now the sea has took her house as well. She is now left with some certificate left by the sea.

Vineetha, who came from the coastal area on Vettucaud, was a bright star for Kerala. She represented Kerala eight times, including at the junior level. From the age of sub-junior she was a member of teams who won several first places. She won Kerala Football Association's gold medal for best player. Still she didn't get a job in sports quota to look after her family.

Her father, who was a fisherman, supported her. He dreamt of her daughter's good future. But when it came to sports quota appointment, the regulations turned out to be a hindrance. Vineetha's father passed away before his daughter reached a good status. Vineetha stopped sports soon after. She later married and became mother of two.

Her husband is Manu Alphonse, a fisherman. The house where she lived with her mother was destroyed due to sea rage. They now live in a shed at a relative's house. No action was taken even after bringing this to the govt's notice. Vineetha asks why she should keep her certificates after all this.

Criteria that became hindrance

During the last UDF government, the national medal become the only criterion for the appointment in sports quota. Kerala has rarely won a medal in a team of high quality team games at the national level like football. Medals and jobs were guaranteed to those who chose the biggest non-competitive games nationally. People like Vineetha, who excelled in team games, are victims of this. Athletes who are struggling to make a living can be offered jobs by the government with special consideration. Previous governments have been a shelter to many like this.