Sport - Athletics   

Keen competition in store

By S. Sabanayakan

— Photo: Sushanta Patronobish

Former athletes Francis D'Souza (left) and Shiny Wilson carrying the torch during the Opening Ceremony of the 43rd senior National inter-State athletics championship in Jamshedpur on Thursday.

JAMSHEDPUR SEPT. 4. Indian athletics is on the upswing. The bronze medal-winning showing of Anju B. George in the long jump and the performance of discus thrower Neelam J. Singh at the recently concluded World championship have shifted the focus firmly on the numerous others trying to break into the big league.

In this backdrop, the 43rd senior National inter-State athletics championship commencing at the J.R.D. Tata Sports Complex here promises rich fare and keen competition.

Despite the absence of three internationals — high jumper Bobby Aloysius and 400m and 800m runner K.M. Beenamol, both of Kerala, and Anju herself — will in no way take the sheen off the meet. The championship will see almost all the best athletes in action.

Bobby is currently training in England; Beenamol is down with a leg injury and Anju, still busy participating in Grand Prix in Europe. Neelam, of course, is here and listed among the entries from Haryana.

The meet itself is important, for an excellent performance here will be a stepping stone to booking a place in the Indian contingent for the Asian track and field meet to be held in Manila at the end of this month. There are a number of young hopefuls trying to break into the big league. This could be a chance for them to take a step up and push the seniors.

Nearly 700 athletes from 23 States will vie for honours. Backed by the famous Tata hospitality, the athletes have been provided with the best of facilities to perform. The eight-lane synthetic track, re-laid at the cost of a little over Rs. 2 crores, will see for the first time the best in the business showcasing their wares.

The organising secretary, Satish Pillai, a fine athlete himself during his time, and joint organising secretary, Charles Barromeo, 800m gold medallist at the 1982 Asian Games in New Delhi, are at the helm of affairs. Tata Steel is hosting this meet on behalf of the Steel Plant Sports Control Board.

The meet was declared open by Tata Steel managing director, B. Muthuraman, after a smart march-past by the participating teams. A colourful cultural programme display included a tribal dance form from the Land of Birsa Munda, unity in diversity by local school children, the famous Kalarippayattu martial arts display from Kerala and finally a fireworks display brought an end to the evening programme.

Shiny Wilson, S.P. Pillai, M.L. Dogra, Kripal Singh, R.K. Srivastava, Neelam J. Singh, Bahadur Singh and Adrian Kennedy were presented with mementos by the chief guest for their contribution to sport.

For the next three days it will be unceasing action on the track and field. The fastest of the meet will be decided on the first day (Friday) when 14 finals are listed.

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