As the engine roared to life and the Royal Enfield Bullet surged forward, bystanders cheered for the rider, V Annammal, who was campaigning for her fellow DMK cadre, Ganapathi Rajkumar, for the upcoming general elections. “It was a moment of exhilaration,” the 49-year-old says with a chuckle, recalling the moment onlookers and party members joined her as she lead a bike rally. “Riding a bike wasn’t just about the campaign; it was about breaking barriers,” she explains.
Annammal’s journey into the world of sports began on the playgrounds of St Mary’s School in Kotagiri, under the watchful eye of her physical education teacher. “Sports taught me discipline and resilience,” she reflects, “It was on those volleyball courts that I learned the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and pushing my limits. Those formative years instilled in me values that have guided me throughout my life’s journey.”
After graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in English literature from Annamalai University, Annammal found herself drawn back to sports. She eventually got into volleyball coaching. “Coaching was my way of giving back to the community,” she explains. As a coach and player, she inspired athletes to reach for the stars.
