What’s your excuse for skipping that morning workout? Too tired? Too busy? Not in the mood?
In Adyar, 91-year-old B.M. Viswanathan has been proving every single day that age, comfort, or routine are never barriers when it comes to staying active.
Since the late 1970s, Viswanathan has walked onto the badminton court at sunrise with the same energy and passion that players half his age admire. Representing Indian Oil Corporation until 1993, he has since spent the past three decades as a dedicated member of the Indira Nagar Sports Club. Rarely has he missed his morning game, and recently, he made history by becoming the oldest participant at the National Badminton League in Tambaram, where he and his partner secured the runner-up position.
When asked what keeps him going, his answer is simple yet powerful:
“Playing badminton keeps me fit and energetic.”
A Spirit Stronger Than Age
Viswanathan’s story is more than just about a sport. It’s a lesson in discipline, passion, and the refusal to let time dictate our limits. Many of us struggle to lace up our shoes for a jog or drag ourselves to the gym, but here’s a man who shows up for life with enthusiasm, no matter what.
Fitness Beyond Numbers
Fitness is not about how many push-ups you can do, the weight you can lift, or the calories you burn. It’s about consistency. It’s about choosing movement over excuses. Viswanathan proves that age is not the barrier — mindset is.
A Wake-Up Call for All of Us
Every morning that Viswanathan picks up his racket, he’s not just playing badminton. He’s reminding us:
- That discipline builds strength.
- That joy in movement keeps the heart young.
- That the best time to start is always now.
What’s Stopping You?
If a 91-year-old can still run across the court, dive for the shuttle, and celebrate victories, what’s really stopping us from investing just 30 minutes in ourselves?
Tomorrow morning, when the alarm rings, remember B.M. Viswanathan. Remember that fitness isn’t bound by age but by spirit. And remember that the body can go as far as the mind is willing to push it.
Because in the end, the greatest game we play isn’t against others — it’s against our excuses.
