The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Track event begins on an enthusiastic note

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Wednesday, Oct 10, 2007
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Track event begins on an enthusiastic note

Staff Reporter

Around 400 athletes from all over India are taking part in the meet

PHOTO: CH.VIJAYA BHASKAR

Aiming HIgh: Athletes taking part in the march past at the inaugural ceremony of the 19th junior National Inter-zonal athletic championship at Acharya Nagarjuna University campus on Tuesday. —

VIJAYAWADA: The three-day 19th Junior National Inter-zonal Athletic Championship, featuring the young talent of the country, was off to a colourful start at Acharya Nagarjuna University (ANU) campus near here on Tuesday, with Vice-Chancellor Prof. V. Balamohandas declaring the meet open amid bursting of crackers and releasing of balloons, pigeons.

The campus wore a festive look with around 400 athletes from all over the country taking part in the all-important meet.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony Mr. Das said that sports was part of the academic curriculum as they help one in achieving an all-round personality. “Sports not only make our muscles, bones stronger, but also teach teamwork. Sports teach us how to accept both victory and defeat gracefully. It also increases the concentration and determination in us,” he added.

He said Acharya Nagarjuna University was on the right track as it was promoting sports and games in a big manner by constructing a unique sports hostel, which would accommodate more than 1,000 sportspersons. “ANU is well equipped to stage mega sporting events,” he said.

Earlier, athletes brought the ceremonial torch all the way from Police Parade grounds at Guntur, which was received by Mr. Das amidst thunderous applause. Later, Additional Superintendent of Police Diwakar ignited the Olympic flame.

Arjuna Awadree and bronze medal winner in 1974 Teheran Asian Games in decathlon, Suresh Babu and Andhra Pradesh Amateur Athletic Association secretary P. Ranga Rao and Guntur District Amateur Athletic Association secretary G. Seshaiah, organizing secretary of the meet Usha Rani and others took part in the inaugural function. Students of Kanna English Medium School rendered an inspiration song for the athletes, while AP athlete Trinadh took oath on behalf of the participants. In lieu of the rampant doping among the athletes, the Athletic Federation of India (AFI) has deputed a team of officials to conduct test at random on the athletes.

“The equipment for the dope test has arrived and the samples will be sent to the laboratory at New Delhi. The federation is keen on exposing the drug users among the athletic fraternity,” said Mr. Rao, secretary, APAAA.

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