Puttur MLA Shakuntala Shetty said sports not only help maintain physical fitness, but also ensure mental health.
She was speaking at the inaugural function of Mangalore Masters Athletic Championship and Late Sridhar Rai (Sports Authority of India former Coach) and Late Ananda Shetty (International Athlete) memorial taluk-level junior Athletic meet, organised by Mangalore Masters Athletic Association at Mangala Stadium in M’luru on Sunday.
Joy Soft Drinks Managing Director Gopal Shetty inaugurated the formal function. Mangalore Masters Athletic Association president B Rajgopal Suvarna, vicepresident Mahabala Shetty, Secretary Laxman Rai, Kreeda Bharati president Chandrashekhar Rai, Savita Anand Shetty, Athletes Damodar Gowda, Subhashchandra Rai and Swaraswati were present.
Athletes Lalita Jayaram and Damodar Gowda were felicitated on the occasion. Apart from 100, 200, 400, 800, 1500 and 5000 metres athletic events, Long Jump, Shot put, discuss throw and Javelin throw were held. The events were conducted in the junior and masters category.
Speaking to Deccan Herald, Department of Youth empowerment and Sports Deputy Director Panduranga Gowda said, “The association has been conducting sports events for the people under the masters age groups from the last 12 years. The juniors category was added eventually.
The association has also conducted Masters Marathon, a national event, in 2007”. Canara Bank employee Pushapalata Shenoy, who took part in the above 45 category said, she took part in the sports event after a long gap. She was a state-level volleyball player during her college days.
In the Mangalore Masters Athletic Championship, shetook part in the shot put, discuss throw and javelin throw events, she added.
Published 22 September 2015, 18:23 IST