Mangaluru, May 2: Various events took place on the first day of the 19th Federation Cup Senior Athletics Championship at Mangala Stadium here on Friday May 1st.
National record holder Sahana Kumari, from Karnataka won the gold in high jump (1.76 m), Mallika Mondal of West Bengal bagged the silver (1.73 m) and Steny Michael of Kerala won the bronze (1.70 m).
In the 2012 national athletics, Sahana Kumari had made a national record by jumping 1.92 metres. She was unable to break her own record and had to get satisfied with a record of 1.76 metres.
Although Sahana had won gold, she failed to qualify for the Asian Athletics Championship to be held in China.
Speaking to the media, Sahana expressed disappointment over her performance. Today was not my day. I am not satisfied with my performance. Intense humidity, affected my performance. I have done better during practice. I have no coach from two years, and whatever I have been doing is through sheer practice. If I get a coach I will be able to perform better. Coach can find out our mistakes and guide us well, she said.
In women’s long jump, Mayookha John (ONGC) won the gold (6.34 m) and got qualified for the Asian Athletics, Shraddha Bhask of Maharashtra won the silver (6.21 m) and Neena V from Kerala won the bronze (6.12 m). Mayookha has been.
In women’s discus throw, Baljit Kaur of Punjab bagged the gold (45.58 m) beating Karnataka’s Priayanka J D (39.15 m). However, neither of them qualified for the Asian Athletics.
In women’s javelin throw, Suman Devi of Uttar Pradesh won the gold (54.07 m) and was qualified for Asian Athletics, Shahejhali from Karnataka won the silver (49.47 m) and Rupinder Kaur from Punjab won the bronze (48.48 m).
Minister of Kannada and Culture Umashree presented the medals to the winners of javelin throw.
Speaking to the media representatives, she wished all success to the participants and congratulated the organizers for hosting this event.
President of Indian Athletics Association Adil Sumariwalla presented medals to winners of 5000 m (men), and MLA J R Lobo presented the medals to winners of 5000 m (women). MUDA chairman Ibrahim Kodijal presented the medals to the high jump winners, while district in-charge minister B Ramanath Rai presented the medals to long jump winners.
Speaking to the media, Laxmanan who bagged the gold in 5000 m race and got qualified for Asian Athletics said, I wanted to perform better, but I am happy for being qualified for the Asian championships, humidity of the place made a big difference, he said.
Cultural events were organized at the end of the day.
