Shiny Abraham

Shiny Kurisingal Wilson (nee Abraham, born 8 May 1965) is a retired Indian athlete. She has been a National Champion in 800 metres for 14 years. Shiny Abraham Wilson (Shiny Abraham) represented India more than 75 times in international competition. She holds the added distinction of representing Asia in four World Cups. She is also perhaps the only athlete to have taken part in six Asian Track & Field Meets in a row beginning 1985 in Jakarta.

Early life Born at Thodupuzha in Idukki district of Kerala on 8 May 1965, Shiny became interested in athletics as a child but developed her skills after joining the sports division in Kottayam.

In fact Shiny, PT Usha and M D Valsamma studied at the same sports division in various parts of Kerala and as they grew up, they were coached by the NIS coach P. J Devasia.

Shiny was then trained at G.V. Raja Sports School in Trivandrum before she moved to Alphonsa College in Palai. At the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, she became the first woman to be the flag bearer for India at the Olympics.

Shiny was awarded the Arjuna Award in 1985, Birla Award in 1996 and Padma Shri in 1998. she is also the recipient of Chinese Journalists Award 1991 for being one of the Top Ten Athletes of Asia.

Participation

Shiny Abraham has participated in four Olympic Games: Los Angeles (1984), Seoul (1988), Barcelona (1992) and Atlanta(1996).

Although she didn't win any medals at any of the four Olympics, she and P.T. Usha powered India to an unexpected Women's 4X400 relay final at the 1984 Games.

She was also the captain of the Indian Contingent at the 1992 Games.

She has also represented India in three Asian Games and has won a Gold, 2 Silvers and a Bronze.

In the Asian Track and Field meets, she has won 7 Gold Medals, 6 Silver Medals and 2 Bronze Medals.

Represented India for more than 75 Times .

First Indian Women athlete to reach the semi-finals in Olympics in women's 800m

First Indian woman captain and flag bearer for Indian Contingent for 1996 Atlanta Olympics

Awards She received the Arjuna award in 1984 She received Chinese journalist award 1991 From Chinese Government For her Outstanding Achievement in Sports She was conferred Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian award in 1998. She was honoured with Birla Award in 1998. In 2002, she Was Honoured by the UNICEF, Los Angeles and had presented a paper presentation on behalf of Asia In 2009, she was awarded Lifetime Achievement Award From CNN IBN at Delhi In 2012, she was Awarded Lifetime Achievement Award From JFW Achievers Award in Chennai In 2012, she was awarded Lifetime Achievement Award From Sun Networks for Women Achievers for the Field of Sports