Karnataka, Maharashtra masters athletics champions

The next edition of championship will be held in Haryana

The host state Karnataka and Maharashtra shared the championship titles in the four-day Indian Masters Athletics (IMA) 34th Masters National Athletic Championship that concluded here at Mangala Stadium on Sunday. 

Karnataka emerged as champions in the women’s category wherein Maharashtra stood first in that of men. When Karnataka came second among men, it was Maharashtra who was the runner-up in women’s category. The event organised by the Dakshina Kannada Masters Athletics in association with Karnataka Masters Athletic Association witnessed participation of 1,500 odd athletes from 22 states. 

This time, a nine-member team from Sri Lanka also became part of the event. At the valedictory function, Minister for Youth Services, Sports and Fisheries Abhyachandra Jain, Mangalore North MLA Mohiudeen Bava, IMA Chairman T O Jacob, Secretary General, Gerald D'Souza, K S Kodanda Rame Gowda, K Thejomaya among others were present. The next edition of the championship will be held in Haryana. 

Sri Lanka returns with 13 gold

The nine-member contingent from the island country Sri Lanka who took part in the Masters National Athletic Championship first time as a friendly gesture is returning home with 13 gold and three silver medals. Sri Lankan team manager Pradeep Pereira told mediapersons that their two athlete--Shashika and Kumarani-- are currently playing in the national basketball team. Five women were in the team and they took part in seven events. 

Whenever an announcement of Sri Lanka was made at the stadium, Pereira and his team responded with waving their national flag and grabbing attention. When asked about their four- day sabbatical in Mangalore, pat came the reply from Pereira, “nice food and people. Mangalore food is very much like our sea cuisine.”