98th Tamil Nadu State Senior Athletic Championship Begins in Tirunelveli; Multiple Records Rewritten
Tirunelveli: The 98th Tamil Nadu State Senior Athletic Championship got underway at the Anna Stadium in Tirunelveli on Saturday, with athletes delivering several record-breaking performances on the opening day of the competition.
The championship, organised by the Nellai District Athletic Association under the auspices of the Tamil Nadu Athletic Association (TNAA), witnessed the participation of top athletes from across the State.
The event was inaugurated by T.K. Rajendran, IPS, President of the Tamil Nadu Athletic Association. Tirunelveli District Collector Dr. R. Sukumar, IAS, received the march-past salute. The TNAA flag was hoisted by R.S. Murugan, MLA, while C. Latha, Treasurer of the Tamil Nadu Olympic Association, lit the ceremonial torch.
The opening day saw several championship records being broken across various events.
In the Men’s Triple Jump, J. Mohan Raja of Alphaa Athletics Foundation clinched gold with a record leap of 16.68 metres, surpassing the previous championship mark of 16.38 metres. Former record-holder D. Gailey Venister of SDAT also crossed the previous record with an effort of 16.54 metres.
In the Men’s Pole Vault, M. Gowtham of Southern Railways cleared 5.20 metres, setting a new championship record.
Kanishkar of Alagappa Athletic Academy created a new record in the Men’s Javelin Throw with a best effort of 74.71 metres.
Among the women, Asha I. of Alphaa Athletics Foundation set a new championship record in the Triple Jump with a leap of 13.67 metres, eclipsing the previous mark that had stood since 2016.
In the Women’s Discus Throw, Shalu Rekhana A. of Positive Foundation recorded 47.21 metres to establish a new championship record.
The Women’s Hammer Throw also witnessed record-breaking performances as Nithya of Alagappa Athletic Academy registered 53.06 metres, while her teammate Vinodhini threw 50.92 metres, both surpassing the previous championship record.
The championship will conclude on Sunday with the remaining finals and medal presentation ceremony. With several records already falling on the opening day, organisers and spectators are expecting more exciting performances in the concluding events.
