GM Sadhwani helps Bangladesh Police win title

 

 

By Paritosh Pramanik

MAKING his presence felt, Nagpur’s only chess Grandmaster Raunak Sadhwani showed his prowess in Dhaka Bangladesh. Representing Bangladesh Police team, GM Sadhwani helped his side clinch the Mujib Borso Saif Powertec Premier Division Chess League 2020 on Monday. The invitational competition was organised by Syed Shahab Uddin Shamim at Dhaka.

Sadhwani’s team comprised Bangladesh’s International Master Mohammad Fahad Rahman, Grandmaster Mollah Andullah Al Rakib, GM Rahman Ziaur, all from Bangladesh and GM Surya Sekhar Ganguly from India.

In the competition GM Sadhwani won creditable eight points from 10 games. The title win helped him earn 10 rating points taking his current live rating to 2555.

Bangladesh Police team won the title hands down with 20 points in their kitty. Shahin Chess Club finished second with 14 points while SAIF Sporting Club finished third, also with 14 points.

The tournament had 11 teams and was played in round robin format with all teams playing each other.

On his way to helping his Bangladesh Police team win the title, GM Sadhwani defeated Kaustuv Kundu, Subhyan Kundu, Dhulipalla Bala Chandra Prasad, Neeloptal Das, Mohammad Minhaz Uddin, Anup Deshmukh and Bhuiyan Golam Mustafa. He managed to hold Mitrabha Guha and Kovalev, Vladislav while lost only one game against Abhimanyu Puranik.

An elated Sadhwani said he was happy to help his side win the title. “First of all I want to thank Bangladesh Police team for inviting me and for their great hospitality. Bangladesh police became the champions. I am happy that I contributed in this achievement,” said 15-year-old Sadhwani.

The only GM from Nagpur said he was grateful that he got this opportunity to play On the Board tournament. It has been more than a year that On the Board (OTB) tournaments took place due to coronavirus.

“I am grateful that I got this opportunity to play OTB. This helped me meet my friends, simply loved the tournament atmosphere which I was missing from last one year. It was nice to play OTB. It’s the real chess,” GM Sadhwani added.

The Grandmaster said that he is happy with his performance but also added that he needed to improve on various aspects of the game.

“I am really happy with my performance. Above all it helped my team win the title. But still, I need to improve on various aspects of the game and I am working on that,” Sadhwani said.

Sadhwani thanked GM Ganguly for taking care of him and teaching him finer points of the game.

“I would like to thank my team-mate and senior pro GM Surya Shekhar Ganguly for taking such a good care of me. I have learnt valuable lessons from him.”

Sadhwani hoped that the pandemic ends soon and he gets opportunities to play on the board tournaments frequently.

“I hope this pandemic ends soon. It is a very tough time for everyone. I am eagerly waiting for more strong OTB tournaments,” he concluded.

 

 

Big loss for jr cricketers but players’ safety paramount: VCA Prez Jaiswal

 

By Paritosh Pramanik

THE Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) decision to suspend all junior inter-state cricket tournaments has put a big question mark on the careers of age-group cricketers especially those in the Under-16 category.
Due to increase in the COVID-19 cases, the BCCI has decided to put off all the age-group competitions especially Vijay Merchant, Vinoo Mankad and Cooch Behar Trophy at least till the end of IPL.
BCCI secretary Jay Shah informed its affiliates about the decision through an email a few days ago.
“While our endeavour was to get in as many matches as was practicable across different age-groups in the season, prevailing circumstances have now forced us to suspend all age-group tournaments. This is on account of the fact that active COVID cases are on the rise and organising tournaments requires inter-city travel, strict quarantine measures and the creation and maintenance of bio-secure bubbles for the participants. Moreover, the situation is presently not conducive in some states,” Shah’s email stated.
Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) President Advocate Anand Jaiswal admitted that it would be a big loss for cricketers not only of Vidarbha but all over the country but added that the decision was taken after looking at players’ safety.
“Definitely it is a big disappointment that there won’t be any age-group tournaments this year. But looking at the situation we are in, I don’t think they (BCCI) really had a choice. I don’t think it would also be proper to have a tournament for the youngsters who would be exposed (to the virus). Players’ safety is paramount,” Adv Jaiswal told The Hitavada.
The VCA chief was also aware of the loss especially to the U-16 boys as they won’t be able to get a tournament of their age group for at least three years and they won’t be included directly in the U-19 teams.
“It’s a big loss to U-16 players as they will not be able to come in; they will not be able to switch up. But the circumstances are such ...it’s very difficult (situation at present),” remarked Adv Jaiswal.
Adv Jaiswal hoped that in coming days when COVID-19 case load decreases, BCCI may find out a way to hold tournaments in these age categories.
“Once it comes down (COVID-19 cases), they (BCCI) may find a way, in summer or sometime. But at the moment with the pandemic spreading all over the country, I don’t think it’s possible,” said Adv Jaiswal.
When asked whether the BCCI should change the age-group for U-16 to U-17 for one year as a special case so that the players do not lose out on their chances, the VCA President was of the view that BCCI apex committee would be the best to take a decision.
“It’s up to the BCCI apex committee to take a decision on whether to change the age group or not because it will affect everybody, all over the country, not only us (VCA). I am sure there might be something in their mind and they (BCCI) will think over it. But all that can be done later on when things are little normal. Because in these circumstances, we can hardly play or travel,” explained Jaiswal.
Vidarbha junior cricketers have done exceedingly well in past few years winning almost all the trophies and it will be a big loss for the association and players for not having the age-group competitions. The VCA president was aware of the fact.
“It is definitely a big loss for us (VCA) as well as players. The players have done really well in recent past and would have continued the good show. But it’s not in our hand,” rued Jaiswal.
The VCA President said they will wait and watch how the situation improves and then only plan future course of action for age group players.
“We have to wait for the situation to get normal. We are not sure when it will be normal again. When it normalises, we will see what can be done. We can pursue with the BCCI and also at local level and see what we can do. But before that we can’t plan anything. We will first have to wait for the pandemic to subside and after that we can see what can be done for these boys,” VCA head Adv Jaiswal concluded.

Live telecast of kho-kho will help popularise the game: Sengar

 

 

By Paritosh Pramanik

Star Vidarbha kho-kho player Dilrajsing Sengar, who hails from Katol, expressed his excitement to be watched by people on TV and said broadcasting of the Ultimate Kho Kho will take the sport to larger audience.
“I have been playing kho-kho since the last 14 years and I never thought that I would ever attend a camp with so many world class facilities. Now, I understand my body and game better,” said Sengar.
Sengar who will be part of Ultimate Kho Kho, said the game will definitely rise once it is beemed on televisions.
“I am thrilled to know that kho-kho league will come live on TV and people will be able to see us live. It will further increase the interest of people in the game,” the 25-year-old Sengar, who recently attended KKFI and UKK’s first-ever High-Performance scientific training camp, said.
A member of Vidarbha Krida Mandal (VKM), Katol, Sengar has been associated with the club since he was 14.
“I used to play for Vidarbha Krida Mandal in Katol. Since I started playing I am associated with VKM,” said Sengar who works with Forest Department.
His club VKM is one of the strongest clubs in the region and has won many titles.
“We are winners of almost all the tournaments held in Nagpur. Ours is one of the strongest clubs in Nagpur.
“At VKM there used to be around 60-70 players practicing at one time. Kho-kho is very popular in Katol. Though the number has slightly dwindled due to coronavirus, still there are 40-50 players playing at present,” said Sengar who did his graduation from Nabira College, Katol.
Sengar feels UKK will do a world of good for kho-kho players and they will be financially sound from now on.
“UKK will definitely help us grow financially. It’s a big platform for all the players. After this league, we will be financially strong because most of the players belong to middle or lower-middle class families. It will be of great help for all the players. Above all we will be recognised all over once we are on TV,” he mentioned.
The teams will consist of men and under-18 from all States across India registered under Kho Kho Federation of India.
Player drafts are scheduled for mid-year this year and franchise-owners will be offered a bank of over 150 Indian players based on their performance and score in national and recently concluded high performance training camp in February 2021.
Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has signed an exclusive multi-year TV and Digital broadcast deal with Ultimate Kho Kho.
Scheduled to kick-start in September, SPNI and UKK will bring forth this home-grown sport in its new avatar under the lenses of sports technology and innovations, that will guarantee high-octane games exclusively across SPNI’s network sports channels and their dedicated OTT platform ‘SonyLIV ’.
“Ultimate Kho Kho will bring back the oldest sport packaged in a modern avatar coupled with a new format and a dazzling
television product that has
the potential to not only revolutionise the sport but also create a unique experience for the
audience—something that no one has ever witnessed before,” Amit Burman, Dabur Group Chairman and Promoter of the Ultimate Kho Kho said in a
statement.
Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer, Distribution and Head,  Sports Business, Sony Pictures Networks India, said: “Our focus has always been to promote a multi-sport culture in India and Ultimate Kho Kho is a great addition to our sports portfolio.
Tenzing Niyogi, Chief Executive Officer, Ultimate Kho Kho stated: “For a sport to be packaged as a brand, it needs to have ‘an edge of the seat’ format, where every minute is a spectacle. We aim to create new champions, celebrate the pride for the sport and take kho kho to newer commercial heights.”

RTMNU to change inter-college sports competitions’ format

 

 By Paritosh Pramanik

FROM next academic session (2021-22), the inter-college competitions organised by the Department of Physical Education and Sports, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, will be held at Divisional level.
Five divisions will be created and colleges affiliated with RTMNU will play each other in their division before making it to the quarter-finals. From quarter-finals, matches will be played at Nagpur.
Talking with ‘The Hitavada’, Dr Sharad Suryawanshi, Director, Department of Physical Education and Sports, RTMNU said the proposal was passed in the Senate Committee meeting recently.
“The proposal to change the format of competition was put up by Senate Member Pravin Randiwe during the meeting. It was passed looking at the positives behind the move,” said Dr Suryawanshi.
“From next season, we will be having divisional level inter-college competitions. This will increase participation and even performance of the players,” reasoned Dr Suryawanshi.
The move will help those colleges situated in the deep pockets of districts, who were reluctant to send their teams due to long distance travel and extra burden on their pockets because of high-rising transport fares.
“There are many colleges in rural areas who have good players but they don’t send them as the travelling cost is too high. We will be starting inter-college competitions at division level. A group of college from a district will be clubbed and will form a division. This will help players play in their nearby area only and not travel to Nagpur. Once they make it to quarters, then only they will have to come to Nagpur for their remaining matches. The quarter-finals will be between these divisions,” explained Dr Suryawanshi.
But not all events will be played in this format. Only those sports with large number of participation will play in this format.
“Events like cricket (with have over 165 teams), chess (over 2000 participants), football (over 50 teams), badminton (over 150 participants), volleyball (over 120 teams) and not to forget kabaddi, kho-kho and athletics will be played in division format. This will help players from hinterlands to show their talent and give competition to others,” added Dr Suryawanshi.

Alfiya in Indian team for Youth World Boxing Championship

 

 

Principal Correspondent

India’s rising boxer and Asian junior champion Alfiya Akram Pathan has once again stamped her authority in country’s junior circuit when she was selected in the Indian youth boxing team which will take part in Youth World Boxing Championship at Poland from April 10 to 24.
According to reports, Nagpur’s Alfiya thrashed Punjab’s mighty pugilist Komal Jora Singh hands down to emerge victorious in the selection trials at the National Boxing Academy in Rohtak in 81+ kgs weight category.
A total of four boxers were called for trials out of which two gave walkover. Alfiya played final bout against Komal and won by unanimous decision  of 7-0 from five judges and two selectors. The left-handed pugilist punched her opponent to the floor to win the one-sided bout. As per Boxing Federation of India’s selection criteria, the winning boxers from all categories are automatically picked in the Indian squad. Alfiya’s selection was declared by Maharashtra Boxing Association Secretary Rakesh Tiwari and Nagpur City Boxing Association Secretary Poras Kotwal.
Alfiya, daughter of Assistant Sub-Inspector at City Police Headquarters Akram Pathan, is ranked India Number 1 in junior category.
The 2019 Asian Junior Girls Champion Alfiya showed superb agility and fitness to notch up an easy victory. Last month, Alfiya had won gold medal for India in the 30th Adriatic Pearl Tournament in Budva, Montenegro.
This competition at Poland will be important as far as Alfiya’s graduation to senior level is concerned.
This will be the stepping stone in Alfiya’s career when she would make the cut at the senior level in the years to come.
 Jay Kowli, President,   Maharashtra Boxing Association,  Rakesh Tiwari, Secretary , Maharashtra Boxing Association, Dayashankar  Tiwari, President, Nagpur City Boxing Association, Arun Bute, Secretary, Nagpur City Boxing Association, President Sajjad Husain, Secretary, Porus Kotwal and coach Ganesh Purohit  congratulated Alfiya.

RTMNU plans to build India’s best indoor sports complex

 

 

By Paritosh Pramanik

IF ALL goes well, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU) will have India’s best indoor sports complex in coming years.
Recently, Sports Ministry had asked RTMNU to return its Rs 1.2 crore grant for not utilising it for indoor sports complex. The proposed complex was supposed to come up first at RTMNU’s Sports Stadium in Ravi Nagar. Due to objection from several quarters it was shifted to Campus area. Later, the venue was shifted back to behind Subhedar Hall. But, RTMNU failed to start the construction work. Not even the bhoomipujan was done. Taking a tough stand, Ministry for Youth Services, Government of India after issuing show-cause notice twice, cancelled their grant and had asked RTMNU to return the money.
Learning a harsh lesson, RTMNU has decided to construct indoor sports complex beside basketball courts once again. According to sources, the proposal has also been passed in the Senate meeting recently.
In January this year, RTMNU formed a committee headed by former Board of Studies Chairman Babanrao Taywade. The committee has already started working on the project. A couple of meetings were also held in this connection.
The other committee members include Director of Physical Education and Sports, RTMNU Dr Sharad Suryawanshi, who is also the secretary of the committee, former mayor Kundatai Vijaykar, Management Council member Vishnu Changde, former India cricketer Prashant Vaidya, Arjuna Awardee Vijay Munishwar, Senate Member Adv Manmohan Bajpayee, former Director of Physical Education and Sports Dr Dhananjay Welukar, Maharashtra Netball President Vipin Kamdar, former handball player Viral Kamdar and Sanjay Bhende.
The said land, which is to the left of entrance gate of the Sports Stadium in Ravi Nagar, is sufficient enough to construct India’s best indoor stadium. “At present Manipal Indoor Sports Complex is the best in the country. We want to construct indoor stadium much better than Manipal University Indoor Sports Complex,” Dr Suryawanshi, told ‘The Hitavada’.
“Dr Babanrao Taywade along with other members will be meeting Union Minister Nitin Gadkari regarding this project. I am sure Gadkari will help us,” hoped Dr Suryawanshi.
“The area is sufficient for our dream project. It is approximately 90 metres in length and 40 metres in width. There is another 60 metres of unused land at the back side,” mentioned Dr Suryawanshi.
“A team will be visiting Manipal Indoor Sports Complex soon. A report will be submitted then and on the same lines the Indoor Sports Complex will be constructed,” said Dr Suryawanshi.
The indoor complex will have shooting range, basketball courts, badminton, table tennis, gymnastic halls, wrestling rings, handball area plus gymnasiums. As per the proposal, there will also be ample space for other indoor events like judo, karate, yoga etc. “It will be a multi-storied building,” revealed Dr Suryawanshi.
“During the meeting held in February, RTMNU Vice-Chancellor Dr Subhash Chaudhari, who was also present, gave green signal for the project,” Dr Suryawanshi said.
“The project would cost around Rs 35-40 crore. RTMNU will contribute around Rs 5-8 crore. We will try to generate money through CSR. We can also get grant from Khelo India Sports Infrastructure Development Scheme.
“Even the State Government can help us. This session they have helped Aurangabad University. Next year we will submit our proposal,” informed Dr Suryawanshi.
“During the Senate meeting Dr Smita Wanjari informed that RTMNU which would be celebrating its centenary year in 2023-24 and due to Dr Abhijit Wanjari’s efforts we (RTMNU) will be getting Rs 50 crore from State Government. We can also get some funds from this money for sports complex,” hoped the former international athlete.

City’s Niyaz helps Ahli-Sidab club win hockey title in Oman

 

 By Paritosh Pramanik

CITY'S talented hockey player Niyaz Rahim has once again proved that he belongs to the top league as he helped his club clinch the 50th edition of the coveted His Majesty’s Cup Hockey Championship in Muscat, Oman, recently.
Playing for Oman’s domestic heavyweight Ahli-Sidab club, who has won a record 12 titles, Niyaz displayed his skills and agility to win accolades from one and all.
In the summit clash Niyaz’s Ahli-Sidab, who were runners-up last season, stunned arch-rivals Bausher by three goals to nil to lift the trophy after a gap of two years. Playing as a foreign recruit, Niyaz, who has led Indian Railways for record five times to the podium, has India player Affan Yusuf as his team-mate apart from players from other countries.
“It was a good tournament. We had lost the final last time but this year we were determined to clinch it,” Niyaz told ‘The Hitavada’ after returning to Nagpur from Oman.
“Hockey is still at a nascent stage in Oman. They are still learning the basics. They mostly rely on foreign players. But they are a fast learner. My club had players from Pakistan and Bangladesh too,” said Niyaz who was also India probable and is still in Hockey India’s scheme of things.
Niyaz spent more than two weeks in Oman first spending quarantine period in his hotel room and then playing around 6-8 matches for his club. “After completing my quarantine period, I played a few league matches and after winning most of those games we entered knock-out round. In semis, we beat 11-time winner Seeb Club 6-3,” informed Niyaz, who works with Southern Railways.
“The final was like a ‘clasico’. Both the clubs have won the title for record 11 times. It was a battle for reputation. We fought hard and managed to get early lead. That helped us in taking control of the game at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex (SQSC),” said Niyaz of the final game.
On the development of hockey in the football-mad country Oman, Niyaz said, “they are doing a lot to promote and polularise the game. Still, there is a long way to go. They have now roped in former Indian women hockey coach CV Kumar. He will be of a great help for Oman. I am sure Oman would be challenging top countries in years to come. The players are very hard working there. They have stamina and speed. What they need is tactical and technical knowledge of the game. Once they learn that, they would be a team to beat,” hoped the midfielder.
On his personal experience Niyaz said, “It was an excellent tour. This was for the second time I was playing in Oman. Every time you play such leagues it helps you learn something new. I would like to thank Hockey India and my employer Indian Railways for granting me permission to play in Oman. I would love to play again there,” Niyaz signed off.

Hockey Mah Secy Bhore, VHA Admin Sidhra hold informal meeting at VHA

 

 

By Paritosh Pramanik

IN AN attempt to break the ice, Hockey Maharashtra Secretary Manoj Bhore met Vidarbha Hockey Association Administrator Triloki Nath Sidhra at VHA office on Tuesday afternoon.
The informal meeting holds significance as VHA is contesting a case in the High Court against Hockey India’s decision to disaffiliate the hockey governing body of Vidarbha stating one-state-one-unit diktat of Indian Olympic Association.
Hockey Maharashtra is also party to the case. The meeting between Bhore and Sidhra was held for over an hour with several members from Amravati also accompanying the latter.
According to sources, Bhore has offered to help VHA in getting Khelo India tournaments.
“Yes there was an offer and he (Bhore) said that he can help VHA in organising Khelo India tournaments. I said you can hold tournaments now also under your banner (Hockey Maharashtra),” claimed Sidhra.
“I only want VHA teams to participate in Hockey India nationals and get their certificates which would help them in getting jobs in various departments. If they wish to conduct Under-12, Under-14 tournaments at VHA, I am ready to permit Hockey Maharashtra to organise them under its banner. VHA will always support growth of hockey,” said Sidhra.

----------------------

Players’ career should
not suffer: Bhore
HOCKEY Maharashtra Secretary Manoj Bhore once again felt that career of budding hockey players should not be ruined due to pending court cases and adamant behaviour of authorities.
“I want players to play hockey. Their careers should not suffer. Year 2020 was washed away by coronavirus. Now, VHA players won’t be able to participate in sub-junior nationals of Hockey India to be held later this month. The officials, whosoever they are, won’t get affected by this. It’s the players who will be the biggest losers.
“It feels bad that Vidarbha players are not allowed to play nationals. What I feel is all should sit across the table and sort out the differences and find solution so that players get a chance to participate,” elaborated Bhore.
“I am receiving calls from several hockey players of Vidarbha to sort out this situation and let them play and attend the trials. But I am helpless. I would suggest them to request Mr Sidhra to find solution. Players should approach Sidhra and request him for an amicable way out,” added Bhore.
“What if VHA loses (in court). The players won’t be allowed to participate in nationals this year. There is no district body in Nagpur. It will take time for them (whoever gets affiliation) to get registered with Hockey Maharashtra.  They will have to show their activities, which is nil at present in Nagpur. Who would suffer? Only the players,” reasoned Bhore.

Women of substance

 

 

By Paritosh Pramanik

FEMALE sportspersons from Nagpur have done the city proud on many occasions. They have kept city’s flag flying high at national and international levels. Time and again players like shuttlers Malvika Bansod, Nikkita Joseph, boxer Alfiya Pathan, athletes Jyoti Chavan, Prachi Godbole, yoga player Dhanashree Lekurwale, to name a few, have carved a niche for themselves.
‘The Hitavada’ remembers the golden performances of these lasses who have recently won accolades at national and international levels.
Malvika Bansod has started the year on a dream note. After missing most of year out of court due to COVID-19, the ever improving shuttler claimed Uganda International title a couple of weeks ago. That title win gave her enough points to zoom up in the BWF rankings. The left-handed badminton player jumped 20 points from 150 to reach at 130th rank in world badminton. In the final at the Uganda International Series held at Kampala, Malvika had registered an exciting come-from-behind title victory over compatriot Anupama Upadhyaya of Haryana. She lost the opening game 17-21 but bounced back superbly to take the next two games 25-23, 21-10 clinch the title. The title win gave Malvika 2,500 points which took her overall tally to 13,460. The Uganda title victory was city shuttler’s third women’s singles crown in BWF organised tournaments.
Another rising shuttler of city Nikkita is climbing the ladder with her astounding performances. In the latest BAI rankings the talented shuttler has reached her career-best ranking in the U-17 girls doubles category. Making a positive move upwards, 15-year-old Nikkita is ranked a creditable fourth in doubles in Under-17 age category in the country. Not only doubles, she is at the 14th position in the singles category. She is the only shuttler from Nagpur to be ranked in both singles and doubles categories.
Nikkita and her partner Asawari Khandekar performed well in last year’s Sub-junior National’s held in Odisha.
On the basis of that performance, Badminton Association of India published the rankings for singles top 18 players and top nine players in doubles categories. Nikkita, a Class 10 student of Modern School, Koradi, is coached by experienced Badminton World Federation-certified coach Chetak Khedikar at Annasaheb Gundewar College and Divisional Sports Complex, Mankapur Stadium.
In the boxing circuit, left-handed pugilist of the city, Alfiya Pathan is punching much above her weight and making strides at international level. Daughter of Akram Pathan, Alfiya has won a bagful of medals in her short career and is proclaimed as next big star of Indian boxing.
Nagpur’s pride and a devoted boxer Alfiya lived up to the expectations winning first gold medal for India in the 30th Adriatic Pearl Tournament in Budva, Montenegro a few days back. This was after she was ranked as No 1 female boxer in her age group in the Boxing Federation of India’s rankings.
The 2019 Asian Junior Girls Champion Alfiya, who turned 18 on February 18, showed superb form and fitness and notched up an easy 5-0 win against Daria Kozorev of Moldova in the 81+kg category to win first gold medal for India. Alfiya was in complete control throughout the match and made the opponent work hard with her swift movement and precise punches. She has been training with NIS boxing coach Ganesh Purohit in the city and under India coaches at Khelo India camp in Rohtak.
“She is a very dedicated and devoted player. She never comes up with any excuses for training and is always there...raring to go. Apart from that she is very intelligent and has a very good grasping power. You don’t need to tell her the same thing again and again,” her coach Purohit had told ‘The Hitavada’ after her medal winning performance.
Another city’s shining light is international yoga player Dhanashree Lekurwale who is holding the beacon high since she was just seven.
With more than two dozen gold medals at national and international level, Dhanashree is determined to change Nagpur into a yoga city. She has been insisting the citizens to take yoga for a better and fit life.
Athlete Jyoti Chavan won a gold medal on Sunday in the Delhi Half Marathon to keep Nagpur’s rich history in long distance running intact. Similarly, Prachi Godbole won silver in full marathon in the same event to add icing on the cake. At state and zonal level, girl athletes are performing well winning medals in almost all the meets.
Runners like international athlete Nikita Raut, budding Bhavyashree Mahalle and Mitali Bhoyar are winning yellow metals in zonal as well as other important events.