Amidst hundreds of women who had come for sub-inspector selection test at Rajarathinam Stadium here was a girl clad in an orange T-shirt and track pants and neatly plaited hair – Prithika Yashini, the first transwoman appearing for recruitment into the State-law enforcement agency.
Prithika cleared the first level on Tuesday – which is to run 400 meters in less than two and half minutes. “I finished it in nearly 1.50 minutes,” says Prithika.
“I wake up at 5 a.m. and run on a ground in Sriperumbudur. I also practise other forms of athletics. However, I do not have anyone to coach me. That is a major handicap,” she says. “My application for appearing at the selection was rejected as my education certificates had my male name. Then, with the help of Madras High Court I got it changed. I appeared for the exams in May. Finally, I am at the selection process. It is like a dream come true,” says Prithika.
Prithika had to opt for the female category in the application, as there was no transgender category.
