2020-07-25,
Isaac John Koshy was an elite athlete. Virtually at every athletic meet he represented our school, he won a trophy or championship. In school, he was unstoppable. He won almost all events he participated except for the 100 hundred meters which Mathew C. Kottam (13), who is no more with us, gave him a decent challenge. A slow start meant Kottam winning the race. Other events like long jump, hop step and jump, 200M and high jump, he breezed thru, with convincing wins. Hard work, perseverance and self-discipline contributed to his success.
Isaac John Koshy, only child born to doctor parents in Mavellikara, joined Sainik School in Class IX in June 1962. He was in my house, “New Blue House”. Quite tall for his age, slim and friendly, with his hair parted in the middle, he stood out among the new comers. He did well in studies. Few weeks into school he would be shifted to a group of students who were given special coaching in athletics, during our PT time. Athletics was quite natural to him, not surprising, given the fact that his father was a good football player. Though he had only a short 18 months stay in school, he dramatically improved his athletic skills and become a serious contender with M.C.Kottam, then the all Kerala Schools 100 M juniors champion. By the time we moved to Kazhakootam, he has established himself as a force to reckon with in athletics. Not only us, but our parents including mine (know very little about sports) were impressed about his athletic abilities. Of course, his parents were the proudest. (Many parents came to school on “sports” day to meet and watch their wards in action).
Koshy had a friendly, calm demeanor. Joined NDA after his 10th standard. He was a great “cheer” leader, on and off the athletic field. Those days, I used to dabble in basic Calculus, just out of curiosity, and one day, Koshy came to know about it. He came to me after dinner and complimented my self-study. I did not think too much of it then. But years later I realized that the compliment showed a very high level of civic maturity that the 15 year old had. He always kept his cool even when something did not go his way which was very seldom. He had enough time to explain should one have any question whether it was Physics, the SSB, fasting before Easter or officers wearing civilian clothes in Army HQ. He did it well too.
He was very affable. Excelled in what he did. A true Champion. A remarkable person. We will miss him. He will always have a special place in our hearts. So long … Koshy.
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