The Indian team bagged the first rank of 2nd South Asian Federation (SAF) Junior Athletics Championships on Tuesday with 20 gold, 20 silver and 12 bronze medals in its kitty. While, Sri lanka managed the second position with 10 gold, 10 silver and 14 bronze medals, the third position was taken by Bangladesh with only three bronze medals.
Adding feathers to this achievement, Indian team made 12 new meet records in this three day tournament at Birsa Munda Athletics Stadium, Hotwar.
Overall, seven nations including India, Sri lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Maldives and Afghanistan actively participated here. Unfortunately, Maldives, Afghanistan and Nepal were unable to get any medal. Participanst of these teams revealed that the last moment decision to participate in these games without any practice had resulted to their dismal performance.
“We had to call our players from villages,” said the coach of Nepal team. Bangladesh and Pakistan grabbed three and one bronze medal respectively making it to the third and fourth winning position in the medal tally. Coincidentally, both these teams managed the bronze medals in 4x100 m hurdles. Bangladesh made in the girls group and Pakistan in the boys group.
On the one side, there were several praises for the world-class infrastructure but on the other hand, Afghanistan teams complained of lack of coordination and hospitality facilities.
“We were not given transportation facilities to come to the stadium on the concluding day. Others were given. Due to this, our team could hardly get time to warm up as we had to search a rickshaw for some time and come here,” said Afghanistan team coach Ahmad Ferooz Sakhizada.
Sakhizada added, “We were not given local sim for communication. With no option left, I had to ask a Ranchi based Facebook friend for a local sim.”
Athletics Federation of India (AFI) Secretary CK Valson during the closing ceremony informed that this sports complex has been selected for more national and international athletics meets. “I want the State Sports Minister Geetashree Oraon to give us this hosting opportunity at this land again,” he said.
A presentation of the golden moments of this championship was displayed at this occasion attended by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Sports Minister Geetashree Oraon, Sports secretary Vandana Dadel, Sports director Dadan Chaubey, AFI officers and Indian Athlete Star PT Usha.
The CM said, “We can now proudly claim that Jharkhand has immense opportunities for sports.”As about 28 athletics events were conducted at this arena. The game concluded with regional songs sung by Daltonganj’s singer Medha, cultural dance performances presented by Assam, West Bengal, Punjab and local dance troops. "Few of the Indian athletes departed tonight. Foreign players will be leaving on Wednesday,” said a sports department staff.