Thane's Training Program Athletes Excel at Maharashtra University Games
The 27th edition of the Maharashtra State Inter-University Games, hosted at Marathwada University in Nanded, witnessed an outstanding performance from athletes enrolled in the Thane Municipal Corporation's Athletics Prashikshan Yojana (TMCAPY). These specially trained competitors secured an impressive haul of nine medals across various track and field disciplines, demonstrating the effectiveness of the municipal training initiative.
Medal Tally and Women's Achievements
The Thane contingent amassed four gold medals, four silver medals, and one bronze medal during the prestigious inter-university competition. In the women's events, Akanksha Gavade emerged as a standout performer, clinching the gold medal in the 200-meter sprint and adding a silver in the 400-meter race. Her teammate, Leena Dhuri, contributed significantly by winning gold in the 4x100 meter relay and securing silver in the 4x400 meter relay event.
Men's Events and International Recognition
The men's category saw equally remarkable achievements. International medalist Harsh Raut showcased his versatility by earning silver in the 100-meter dash, bronze in the 200-meter sprint, and gold as part of the 4x100 meter relay team. Ali Shaikh added to the medal count with a silver in the 400-meter race and gold in the 4x400 meter relay. Additionally, Aditi Patil achieved a personal best timing in the demanding 5,000-meter race, highlighting the depth of talent within the program.
Athlete Perspectives and Coach's Insight
Reflecting on her success, Akanksha Gavade expressed her joy at returning to competition after a 15-month hiatus. "I am very happy to see myself back in the competition and winning the medals has given me impetus to improve further. I am improving myself in each competition," she stated. Ali Shaikh commented on the challenging conditions, saying, "It was difficult to run on the mud track, however, I did well. It has given me confidence for the upcoming competitions."
Nilesh Patkar, the coach guiding these young champions, acknowledged the difficulties faced during the event. "It was a very challenging surface to perform but we could manage it. We will have to work harder prior to the all India university competition," he remarked, emphasizing the team's focus on future national-level challenges.
This performance underscores the success of the Thane Municipal Corporation's athletics training scheme in nurturing competitive talent and preparing athletes for higher levels of university sports in India.
