The Hindu : Sport / Athletics : Junior meet from today

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Dec 18, 2004

Sport

Sport - Athletics

Junior meet from today

By Our Special Correspondent

VIJAYAWADA, DEC. 17. Nearly 1,450 athletes from about 25 States will take part in the ONGC-Junior National athletics championship that kicks off on Saturday.

According to Olympian Suresh Babu, around 40 internationals are likely to take part, prominent among them being Mohd. Mudassar, Rehmatullah and Kavya Muthanna.

The eight-lane, 400m clay-track at the Indira Gandhi Municipal Corporation Stadium looks ready to receive them too. The soft red soil seems a little uneven in patches but according to D.N.K. Vinayak Prasad, Sports Authority of India coach and Convenor, Technical Committee, a trial run for host athletes a couple of days ago, the surface had won their approval.

Due care has been taken to ensure the cricket pitch (this venue has hosted several international matches) will not be trampled upon and the modifications made are outside the field area.

Considering the large participation, two separate pits will stage the long and triple jump events with two different runways for javelin and as many foam pits for pole vault and high jump.

Two notable features they can take pride in are the installation of a photo-finish camera and a fairly well equipped medical centre.

Apart from referring to AFI records, a panel of doctors would conduct physical examinations to ascertain the age of athletes. Random dope tests would also be carried out before and during competitions, said Lalit Bhanot, Secretary, AFI.

Extraordinary performances would also be scrutinized, Suresh Babu added.

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