The Hindu : Sport / Athletics : Asia Masters from Nov. 15

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Nov 14, 2006
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Asia Masters from Nov. 15

BANGALORE: `Fitness through Competition' could well pass off as the `rider' for the six days of extravaganza — 14th Asia Masters Athletic Championship — that will unfold at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium here from November 15.

As many as 17 countries — China, Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan, Korea, Iran, Philippines, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Pakistan, Nepal, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Sri Lanka and the host India — have confirmed entries with the organisers Masters Athletic Federation of India, which has a Herculean task ahead of them.

Twenty-two age groups — in men and women — starting from 35 years plus to 90 plus (five year groupings) will have about 550 events gone through in the next six days.

In the last edition at Bangkok in 2004, India returned with a rich haul of 36 gold, 35 silver and 40 bronze medals and with a host of former Olympians and internationals in the fray, the host could repeat if not better that feat.

While almost 450 competitors have confirmed their entries from other countries, the Indian contingent will be equally strong with 450 entries.

Bangalore incidentally had hosted the 11th edition of the Asia Masters in 2000.

`Rajkumar Jyothi' will be carried from the Mahalakshmi Temple (near Kaveri Theatre) to the Stadium by sons of the Late Kannada icon Rajkumar and some prominent athletes of yesteryears.

"Mongolia is a debutant and will be fielding about 27 participants this time while China, our main contestant has come with just about 38 athletes.

"Our country should once again do very well and we are all enthused about it," said M.N. Narasimhan, President of the Organising Committee. — Principal Correspondent

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