Propelling themselves forward

Athletes sweat it out to enhance timing and distance. Quite interestingly, the meet is drawing a good number of spectators, especially in the evening, cheering athletes on the tracks.

November 28, 2014 12:29 am | Updated November 17, 2021 05:26 am IST - VIJAYAWADA:

Players from several states participating in 100 meters Hurdles in the Jio 30th National Junior Athletic Championship at IGMC Stadium in Vijayawada on Thursday. Photo: V. Raju

Players from several states participating in 100 meters Hurdles in the Jio 30th National Junior Athletic Championship at IGMC Stadium in Vijayawada on Thursday. Photo: V. Raju

Staging the biggest domestic athletic meet for the third time, the Indira Gandhi Municipal Stadium wears a festive look, with hundreds of athletes from across the country sweating it out to enhance their timing and distance.

The first two days witnessed half-a-dozen new meet records registered by athletes, and as predicted Haryana and Kerala contingents topped the points tally.

Quite interestingly, the meet is drawing a good number of spectators, especially in the evening, cheering athletes on the tracks.

Young athletes give their best shot to catch the attention of top notch coaches including veterans Alexander and Dimitri from Russia, who are here to choose the probables for the future.

With the Athletic Federation of India keen to strengthen the bench strength of the Indian team, these youngsters are keen to grab the opportunity with both their hands. The meet is also witnessing the federation dealing with the over-age menace by conducting random tests to ensure fair competition. Doping tests are also done. Evenings are spent amid music and dance. On Friday, the athletic fraternity is in for a musical feast by the city’s popular music outfit. Mayur Orchestra will enthral athletes from nook and corner of the county with peppy Hindi songs.

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