At the age of 67, retired soldier, Col Mridul Barkakoty has won the singles crown in men’s above-60 years category in the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Seniors Tennis Tournament in Phuket, Thailand, last week, making him the first Assamese to win the tournament.

The veteran soldier has also expostulated with Assam labour minister and Tezpur Lok Sabha candidate Pallab Lochan Das, who recently made a jibe at his political opponent M.G.V.K. Bhanu of the Congress, a retired bureaucrat, by saying, “60 is the age to retire and relax”.

In the final, Barkakoty defeated Jonathan Rodriguez of the US 6-0, 6-2.

Barkakoty also won the runners-up trophy with his German partner, Hebert Jacobs, in the above-55 years men’s doubles at the tournament. “I am thankful to all the people for their immense love and support. More importantly, I feel good because I think it will inspire the youngsters,” an excited Barkakoty told The Telegraph.

Though football was his first love and he represented the services team in the 1980s and the 1990s, Borkakoty shifted to tennis after his retirement in 2008. An alumni of Sainik School, Goalpara, and National Defence Academy, Barkakoty has always been a fitness enthusiast and sports lover, which has motivated him to maintain a disciplined life and continue playing.

Every morning, he cycles for at least 20km before doing free-hand exercises. In the evening, he regularly hits the tennis court at the All Assam Tennis Association Complex here.

“I have always been very serious about maintaining a good physique,” he said.

“When I was in service, we didn’t get much time as most of the time we were busy with our field work. After retirement I decided to take up the game seriously. I registered myself with the ITF and participated in several tournaments. I think I have also improved my game,” he said.

Barkakoty is also looking forward to the tournaments to be held in Russia in July, China in August and Turkey in October among others. “I always enjoy playing with the younger players. It’s challenging and apparently helps me improve my game. There’s no end to learning,” he said.

Barkakoty also thanked AATA general secretary Ankush Dutta for the support.