Goa's Masters Athletes Excel at National Athletics Championship
Panaji: The spirit of athleticism knows no age in Goa, as demonstrated by the state's remarkable performance at the 46th National Masters Athletics Competition. Held recently in Thiruvananthapuram, the event saw Goa's contingent of 42 athletes deliver an outstanding medal haul, proving that competitive drive and physical fitness can flourish well into later years.
Impressive Medal Tally Across Disciplines
Goa's athletes, competing in age categories ranging from 30 to 85 years, secured a total of 34 medals at the prestigious national event. The medal breakdown included:
- 11 Gold Medals
- 5 Silver Medals
- 18 Bronze Medals
These achievements spanned diverse athletic disciplines including long-distance races, hurdles, relays, steeplechases, walking races, jumps, and throws. The competition served as a crucial selection platform for the upcoming World Masters Meet scheduled for June in Daegu, South Korea.
Leadership Celebrates Athletic Spirit
Anita Rodrigues, Executive President of Goan Masters Athletics and Executive Vice President of Masters Athletics Federation of India, emphasized the event's significance. "The competition was not just a test of speed and strength but a celebration of the spirit of athletics," she stated.
Yeshwant Verenkar, Secretary of Goa Masters Athletic Association, added, "The passion for sports truly has no age limit. More than a sporting event, this was a gathering of a vibrant community that proves fitness, camaraderie and ambition can thrive at every stage of life."
Notable Gold Medal Performers
Goa's gold medal winners demonstrated exceptional athletic prowess:
- Perpetua Fernandes (2 gold, 1 bronze)
- Ana Juliet Fernandes (2 gold medals)
- Betty D'Silva (2 gold medals)
- Alzira Lacerda (gold, bronze)
- Vrunda Verenkar (gold, silver)
- Navashri Sushma Naik (gold)
- Venessa Rodrigues (gold, silver)
- Francisco X Fernandes (gold)
Other medal winners included Ramnath Dessai, Conceicao Pereira, Melinda Pereira, Maria Rosalia, Sufal Velip, Clarissa Costa, Divya Gawas, Celine Dias, Yeshwant Porob, Audrey Menezes, Martin Pires, Joseph Fernandes, and Yeshwant Verenkar.
National Participation and Organizational Support
The competition witnessed massive participation with over 3,000 athletes representing 30 states across India. The event was organized by the Masters Athletics Federation of India (MAFI), which operates under the affiliations of Asian Masters Athletics and World Masters Athletics.
Stan P, Life President of World Masters Athletics, was present throughout all five days of the event in Kerala, underscoring the competition's international significance.
Building for Future Success
Organizers highlighted Goa's growing strength in masters athletics, stating, "With Goa steadily building a strong and enthusiastic contingent, new members are warmly encouraged to come forward, train together and represent the state with pride for next year's championship."
This performance not only brings glory to Goa but also inspires athletes across age groups to pursue their sporting passions, demonstrating that athletic excellence has no expiration date.
