Thursday, Apr 25, 2024 | Last Update : 05:59 AM IST
On the fast track
University ground will host two-day Maharashtra State Senior Athletics Championships from Tuesday.
State has produced many athletes in the past like Adille Sumariwalla, the present Athletics Federation of India President. But it hasn’t been able to produce any athlete of such repute off late. In a bid to revive that athletic culture, Maharashtra Athletics Association, headed by Sumariwalla, is organising Maharashtra State Senior Athletics Championships 2019 with a different touch.
They have received overwhelming entries of 1116 track and field athletes (828 men and 288 women) from 34 districts. The event will be held at University Sports Grounds, Marines Lines, on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The championship is being sponsored by LIC of India and supported by NEB Sports and Procam.
The leading international athletes from Maharashtra will be seen in action during this two-day championship, to be organized by the Bombay City District Athletics Association. The competition is expected to be fierce as every participant will aim to produce their best performances to finish with flying colours and brighten their prospects of moving to a higher level.
In a rare move, National Anti Doping Agency (NADA) will be present to conduct dope tests on the participants.
“It’s heartening to know that a record number of entries have been received for this event. It shows that youngsters are eager and keen to participate in athletics competitions. Another positive sign is that a maximum number of international athletes from the state are participating,” Sumariwalla said.
The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports will send a team of NADA officials for all State meets. “Recently during the Kerala State meet, NADA officials were present to monitor the athletes. For the Maharashtra Championships NADA has deputed three officials to be present the meet. This is the only way of curbing the menace and use of performance enhancing substances during an event,” he added.
Meanwhile, former Internationals runners, Olympian Edward Sequeira, Anand Menezes, Rachita Mistry and hockey Olympian M.M. Somaya and badminton legend Aparna Popat and a couple of other distinguished sportspersons will be present during the meet to support and encourage the participants.
Pune District boasts of fielding the largest contingent 95 (53 men and 42 women) athletes.
