Cheruvari Lakshmanan, Athlete
Athlete

Cheruvari Lakshmanan

Born 5 April 1898 · verify — Died 3 October 1970

Represented British India in the 1924 Paris Olympics hurdles event.

Cheruvari Kottieth "C. K." Lakshmanan was an Indian sportsman and activist. He represented British India in the 1924 Summer Olympics held in Paris. He participated in the hurdles event but did not win a medal.

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A detail that
surprised us

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In 1924, Lakshmanan was part of an Indian Olympic team that consisted of just eight athletes, underscoring the modest scale of India's early Olympic delegations.

The Story

1
🏃 In 1924, Cheruvari Kottieth Lakshmanan became the first Malayali to represent British India at the Paris Summer Olympics, competing in the hurdles event among an eight-member Indian team.
2
🥇 That same year, he sprinted to gold in the 120-yard hurdles at the inaugural National Athletic Meet held in Delhi, a vibrant gathering of seventy athletes across India.
3🏏 Between 1925 and 1931, Lakshmanan showcased his versatility by playing first-class cricket, appearing in eight matches and balancing two demanding sports disciplines.
4After his athletic career, he switched tracks to serve in the Indian Army, rising to the rank of Major General, a significant feat during the pre-Independence era.

🏅 Awards & Honours

1969
Padma Bhushan

🔍 One thing most people don't know

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Despite competing in hurdles at the 1924 Olympics, Lakshmanan also played first-class cricket from 1925 to 1931, illustrating his multi-sport talent during an era when specialization was rare.

📸 Through the Years

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🗓️ A Life in Moments

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Birth
Birth in Payyambalam, Kannur
Cheruvari Kottieth Lakshmanan was born into a large, sports-oriented family in Kannur, Kerala.
1898
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Career
Competed at Paris Olympics
Represented British India in hurdles at the Summer Olympics in Paris, marking the first Malayali Olympic participation.
1924
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Career
Won 120-yard hurdles gold
Clinched gold at the first National Athletic Meet held in Delhi, competing against seventy athletes nationwide.
1924
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Career
Began first-class cricket career
Started playing first-class cricket matches, continuing until 1931 with notable batting and bowling contributions.
1925
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Other
Brother became Sergeant Major
C. K. Vijayaraghavan, Lakshmanan's older brother, became the first Sergeant Major Officer in the Indian Army.
1949
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Career
Elected to WHO executive board
Joined the World Health Organization's executive board, leveraging his connections with Indian leadership.
1956
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Career
Became International Red Cross Officer
Assumed the role of Executive Officer at the International Red Cross, serving until April 1969.
1958
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Death
Passed away in New Delhi
Lakshmanan died in New Delhi, closing a life that spanned athletics, military, and humanitarian service.
1970
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🗝️Discoveries

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01 / 04
🌍HISTORICAL IMPACT

Lakshmanan was elected to the executive board of the World Health Organization in 1956, a position influenced by his close association with Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.

02 / 04
🔍LESSER KNOWN

Between 1958 and 1969, Lakshmanan served as Executive Officer of the International Red Cross, marking a significant shift from athletics and military to global humanitarian leadership.

03 / 04
👤PERSONAL

His family at Payyambalam, Kannur, included over 300 members who formed their own football, hockey, and cricket teams, suggesting a unique sporting culture that shaped Lakshmanan's early interests.

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🌱 What changed because of them

Lakshmanan's participation as the first Malayali Olympian opened pathways for athletes from Kerala to compete on international stages. His later roles as Major General and Director-General of the Indian Red Cross bridged sports, military discipline, and humanitarian service, influencing Indian military medical services and international health diplomacy during and after British rule.

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