Grand Welcome for District Athletes Returning with Medals from Malaysia

Una, September 20: A grand celebration was organized to welcome three athletes from the district who recently won medals at the International Masters Athletics competition held at Malaysia’s Malaya University on September 16th and 17th. The athletes received a warm welcome with traditional drum beats and folk music, and well-wishers adorned them with flower garlands.

The Indian athletes, including four from Himachal Pradesh, contributed significantly to the country’s medal tally at the event, with a total of 27 medals secured by the Indian contingent. Among them, three athletes from Himachal Pradesh managed to clinch seven medals.

While addressing the gathering during the celebration, Mr. Ashwani Jaitak, the chairman of the association accompanying the team as the team manager, highlighted the remarkable performance of Indian athletes at the international level. He praised the dedication and hard work of the athletes and encouraged the youth to draw inspiration from them to pursue a healthy and active lifestyle.

Mr. Om Prakash Sharma, a 74-year-old former teacher, who won a silver medal in the 1500 meters race, shared his journey of taking up sports at the age of 40. He emphasized that his aim is to teach people above the age of 40 the art of living a healthy life so they can stay fit and inspire the younger generation to lead a drug-free and healthy life.

Another athlete, Mr. Jarnail Singh, aged 54 and currently serving as a primary school teacher, won a silver medal in the javelin throw. He explained that he joined sports at the age of 40 and has been actively participating in various competitions through consistent practice. He expressed his delight in winning a silver medal at the international level and urged the youth to engage regularly in sports activities by giving up harmful habits.

Mr. Ajit Singh Thakur, a 66-year-old retired college professor, clinched silver medals in both the 1500 meters and 3000 meters races. He shared that he had never participated in any sports competitions from his youth until retirement. After retirement, he decided to take up athletics and started practicing for various running events. This year, he participated in domestic masters athletics for the first time and, due to his achievements, was selected to represent India at the international level. He highlighted that the secret to living a healthy life in old age lies in engaging in sports activities.

The athletes’ achievements have not only brought honor to the district but have also become a source of inspiration for people of all ages to embrace sports and a healthy lifestyle.