FIRST STATE MASTERS ATHLETICS MEET TO BE HELD IN FEROZEPUR ON NOV 14-15

Vikram Ditya Sharma/Ferozepur

Preparations are in full swing for the first State Masters Athletics Meet, which will be held at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Stadium, Ferozepur, on November 14 and 15 with the support of the district administration.

Athletes aged 35 to over 100 years will participate in various track and field events during the two-day sporting extravaganza, showcasing their sporting talent and proving that age is no barrier to fitness and an active lifestyle.

The meet is being organised under the leadership of Masters Athletics Federation of Punjab president Rajinder Singh Sidhu, secretary Pargat Singh Gill and chairman Rajwant Singh Ghulli (Office In-charge, Chief Minister Punjab). The District Masters Athletics Association, Ferozepur, has started preparations at the stadium to ensure the successful conduct of the event.

Association president Dr Gurinderjit Singh Dhillon and general secretary Ishwar Sharma said the main objective of the meet was to promote sports culture, physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle among people of all age groups. They said athletics was not merely about winning medals or participating in competitions, but also instilled discipline, self-confidence and encouraged people to lead an active life.

They added that the event would provide experienced athletes an opportunity to showcase their talent while serving as an inspiration for the younger generation. The participation of athletes aged over 100 years would be a special attraction, demonstrating that determination and sporting spirit could keep people active and fit at any age.

The track events will include 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1,500m and 3,000m races, besides 3,000m and 5,000m race walks. The field events will comprise long jump, high jump, triple jump, shot put, discus throw, javelin throw and hammer throw. Pole vault competitions for athletes in the 40-80 years age group will also be a special attraction.

The association office-bearers appealed to athletes, sports enthusiasts and health-conscious citizens to participate in the event in large numbers and encourage the participants to make the meet a memorable success.

Association chairman Gurdial Singh Virk, Pargat Singh Gill, cashier Dalip Singh Sandhu, press secretary Sarabjit Singh Bhawra, Bapu Jagtar Singh, Baldev Raj Sharma, Jagir Singh, Kewal Krishan, Harbinder Singh, Satinder Singh Bath, Neha Khan, Rakesh Sharma and Sarabjit Singh Saba were among those present.