The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Vijayawada News : Colourful start to athletics meet

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Dec 19, 2004

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Vijayawada

Colourful start to athletics meet

By Our Special Correspondent

VIJAYAWADA, DEC. 18. Colourful inflatable balloons seemed to be the signposts of welcome to participants and spectators to the ONGC junior National athletics championships which got under way at the Indira Gandhi Municipal Corporation Stadium.

That much effort went into it was obvious, while some of the excitement amounted to overkill. Prior to the inauguration by the Home Minister, K. Jana Reddy, some competitions were held, including eight finals. While these were in progress, there were scores of hangers-on loitering around in the competition area, which could not only be unsafe but hamper performances of athletes in a world where the success of an event is measured by the records broken.

Mascot riddle

The mascot was prominently displayed but no one had a clue as to what its English name was. Going by the Telugu name, "Krishna Jinka'' given by the organisers, one could only make a guess that it was the black buck. The playful animal was depicted competing in various events, accompanied by the slogan, "sporting spirit, pride of the nation.''

These apart, there was enough cause for cheer, as the master of ceremonies traced the rich vein of sportsmen from the region and State, who had done the nation proud. In all, according to figures available, 1687 athletes from 24 states and two union territories were in the fray for this first ever championship in Vijayawada.

Topping the table in terms of sheer numbers was Tamil Nadu, which fielded 208 athletes, while Goa with five had the smallest contingent.

State team cheered

Kerala, as winner of the last edition at Quilon, led the march past with captain M. Renjith being the flag-bearer.

As the teams passed the gallery, the loudest cheer was understandably reserved for the AP squad.

The politician's penchant for speeches and weakness for the mike seemed well in check until the end. Prior to that, the District Collector, K. Prabhakara Reddy, urged the athletes on saying "Tomorrow is yours.' The chairman of the organising committee and Vijayawada MP, L. Rajagopal, could follow in the footsteps of stalwart politicians Suresh Kalmadi and Mukul Wasnik, who launched themselves with sports as a vehicle, should this meet be conducted successfully.

The president of the Krishna District Olympic Association, Ramesh Jain, host of the meet, exuded youthful enthusiasm, going to Mumbai to ensure quality of the medals (estimated cost: Rs. 1.5 lakhs) to be awarded to the winners.

Honoured to carry the torch and light the flame were internationals and greats from the State, Rami Reddy, Chandana, Pratap Kumar and Bindu Madhavi. The customary doves symbolising peace were set free as were the balloons.

What really caught the eye was the tri-colour ticker tapes released from an impressive fire-cracker display.

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