Over 300 athletes participate in ‘Veterans Athletics Championship 2026’

Visakhapatnam: City Police Commissioner Shankhabrata Bagchi called upon city athletes to excel in international sporting competitions and strive for global recognition for Visakhapatnam through their outstanding performances and medal-winning achievements.

Addressing participants at the District Veterans Athletics Championship 2026, organised at the Visakhapatnam Police Barracks Grounds under the aegis of the Veteran Athletes Association of Visakhapatnam (VAAV), the Police Commissioner expressed a desire to see the city emerge as a prominent destination for international athletics competitions.

He emphasised the importance of nurturing sporting talent and encouraging athletes to pursue excellence, enabling the city to establish a strong presence on the international sporting map.

Speaking on the occasion, VAAV chief patron Kamal Baid said that a special fund was allocated to support talented athletes from financially deprived backgrounds. He stated that the initiative aims to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent deserving sportspersons from pursuing their athletic ambitions. He also said that he established the Veterans Athletics Association Trust, serving as its chairperson, to promote athletics and extend support to veteran athletes.

The championship witnessed enthusiastic participation from more than 300 athletes, who competed in a wide range of track and field events. The competitions included the 5-kilometre walk, running races ranging from 100 metres to 5,000 metres, triple jump, long jump, shot put, discus throw, javelin throw and hammer throw. The event provided a platform for veteran athletes to demonstrate their fitness, determination, competitive spirit and passion for sports.

Winners were honoured with gold, silver and bronze medals, along with certificates of appreciation, in recognition of their performances. The organisers announced that athletes securing first and second places in their respective events would be selected to participate in the state-level competitions scheduled to be held in Nellore on November 14 and 15.

VAAV coordinator CH Srinivasa Raju appreciated Kamal Baid for his comprehensive support in promoting the championship.

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The Hans India