The Birsa Munda Sports Complex at Hotwar in Ranchi was full of glittering faces on the concluding day of the SAF Juior Athletic Meet on Tuesday. The Pioneer’s Sumedha Chaudhury talked to some of the winners on the occasion.
W Amanthi Oashadi Silva, Gold Medallist, Discus Throw, Sri lanka:
“This was my first ever international gold medal. My father Gerard was also a discus throw athlete. He is no more. Today, he must be proud of my achievement. Though balancing school and sports life is hard but I would like to make my career as a shining athlete and Financial Director. After all, economics is my favourite subject and have been scoring well till date.”
Meghana Shetty, Gold Medallist, 100m hurdles, India:
“I made a new meet record today with my first ever international gold medal. I am feeling great. My mother Shreetha used to be an athlete. She is now a dentist. It is because of her and my father Ajith’s encouragement that I am here. Though, I am pursuing my undergraduate first year in commerce but seek to make a promising career in athletics.”
Himashaeashan, Gold Medallist, 200m run, Sri lanka
“I am the first one to represent from my family as an athlete. I won my first ever gold medal here. There are still miles to go in this athletics journey.”
S Archana, Gold Medallist, 100m run and 200m run, India
“Being the daughter of players, bagging three international medals in this game is indeed a dream come true. Apart, from two gold medals in race I won a silver medal for 4x100m relay which is a team event. I am on cloud nine right now.”
Jessy Joseph, Gold Medallist, 800m run, India:
“I won my first ever international gold medal here. Being the first from my family as an athlete and a student of PT Usha, it feels great.”