Young athlete G. Lakshmanan, who hails from Sokkurani in Pudukottai district, has won two medals in the 21st Asian Athletics Championship, which concluded at Wuhan in China on Sunday.
Lakshmanan, serving in the Army, bagged silver in 10,000 metre and bronze in 5,000 metre at the championship. He clocked 29 minutes, 42.81 seconds to clinch the second spot in the 10,000 metre event. In the 5,000 metre event, he clocked a personal best of 13 minutes, 36.62 seconds to finish third.
S. Loganathan of Kavinadu Youth Sports Club here, Lakshmanan’s first trainer, is elated over the achievement of the youngster.
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“I am happy that an athlete from Pudukottai has won two medals in an Asian meet. Born in a poor family, Lakshmanan has reached this level through determination and hard work. He is very disciplined and self-confident,” said Mr. Loganathan, who is also the secretary of the Pudukottai District Athletic Association.
Earlier this year, Lakshmanan won the 10,000 metre and 5,000 metre titles at the 35th National Games held at Kerala. “I can proudly say that Lakshmanan’s achievements have inspired many youngsters in the district to take up athletics,” Mr. Loganathan added.
P.VR. Sekaran, president, Kavinadu Youth Sports Club, commended the efforts of Lakshmanan.
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