Nayana James Biography 
Nayana James is an Indian athlete from Kozhikode, Kerala competing in the long jump event. A winner of several national level and international events, she most recently won a bronze medal at 2017 Asian Athletics Championships – Women's long jump. Her compatriot, Neena Varakil, took silver in the same event. After clinching a medal at Asian Athletics Championships, she came to limelight for the first time.
Nayana James hails from Kozhikode, Kerala. Nayana was born on 18 October 1995. Her talent was first noticed by KM Peter, a former athlete, while she was doing her schooling. She schooled from St. George's Higher Secondary School in Kozhikode. Later she decided to pursue sports and to take advanced studies she joined Sports Authority of India in Thalassery in 2010. She got training from Jose Mathew. The coach has earlier trained Mayookha Johny, who specialises in long jump and triple jump and current national record holder in triple jump.
She won a bronze medal at 2017 Asian Athletics Championships held at Bhubaneswar at the age of 21. An epitome of fitness, she gives importance to physical fitness than skin deep glamour. She avoids many of her favourite dishes and sweets and drinks 8 litres of water every day. She was heralded as a future prospect after a string of good performances in the national schools and junior meets. But at the age of 18, she took a small break from track due to some personal reasons and pursue her academics. Later she returned to the field after 2 years.
A six-foot athlete, she accidentally met Bobby Aloysius, who was then working with Kerala’s State Sports Council as an assistant secretary. Nayana who wanted an admission in engineering under the sports quota was discouraged by the star athlete, who finally convinced her and her family to take art stream, and continue with her practice on track. Her decision proved right, and her name is counted among top athletes of the country.
Published: August 30, 2018
Updated: August 30, 2018
