BY VEENA RAO
Atlanta, GA, March 6, 2025: Indian Olympian and sports pioneer Mary D’Souza Sequeira was honored with the Sportstar Aces Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 Sportstar Aces Awards, held at the Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai on February 14. Due to health reasons, the 93-year-old Atlanta-based athlete delivered her acceptance speech virtually, reflecting on her journey and the values that defined her career.
Born in British-occupied India in 1931, D’Souza Sequeira was a trailblazer for women in Indian sports. She became the first Indian female athlete to compete internationally in two sports—track and field and field hockey—at a time when the country was still finding its footing on the global stage. She represented India in the 1952 Summer Olympics, competing in the 100m and 200m sprints, and won a bronze medal in the 200m and a silver in the 4×100m relay at the 1951 Asian Games.
In her heartfelt speech, D’Souza Sequeira expressed pride in representing free India and emphasized the values of hard work, discipline, and determination that guided her career. “I fought the good fight every day for my family, teammates, and everyone who supported me,” she said. Addressing young athletes, she urged them to respect the game, honor their opponents, and embrace challenges with courage.
D’Souza Sequeira, who has remained an Indian citizen, acknowledged the significance of receiving recognition during her lifetime, adding, “I knew God was giving me a life for a reason. I’m so grateful to be recognized while I’m alive.”
The Sportstar Aces Awards celebrate India’s finest sporting talents, with this year’s event recognizing hockey legend P.R. Sreejesh and shooter Manu Bhaker among other top performers in chess, cricket, and football.
