Sajeev, Sunitha win 1500m titles

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI, OCT. 18. In an unusual start to a major athletics competition, two 1,500 metres finals were combined with the opening ceremony in the National Open at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The meet actually kicks off with a full schedule only on Friday.

Neither of the two races, now regarded as glamour events in the international calendar, came anything close to that, but, admittedly, the competitors never flinched in their pursuit of excellence under floodlights.

To T.M. Sajeev went the distinction of scooping the first gold in the men's metric mile. The Police star, who's adept at this distance, once again proved his consistency, although his timing of 3:51.73s was below the 3:50.64 he clocked in the recent Inter- State meet at Lucknow.

The contest was keener on the distaff side with Sunita of Railways hitting the tape first in a time of 4:30.6s.

A brief and colourful opening ceremony preceded the events. Mr. D. Jayakumar, Minister for Electricity, declared the meet open amidst burst of crackers and release of balloons. There was also a torch relay which culminated in the lighting of the sacred flame.

Mr. P. Baskaradoss, Chairman, Chennai Port, presided over the function. Mr. Walter I. Dawaram, President, Tamil Nadu Amateur Athletics Association, and Vice-President, Amateur Athletics Federation of India, highlighted the sporting infrastructure in the city after the 1995 SAF Games. Mr. S. Chelladorai, Organising Secretary, Major Ports Sports Control Board, welcomed the gathering.

Rahul Pawar, captain of Major Ports Sports Control Board, read the oath on behalf of the participants.

The results:

1500 metres: Men: 1. T.M. Sajeev (Police) (3:51.73s), 2. Kuldeep Kumar (UP) (3:52.12s), 3. Shivanand (Railways) (3:53.22s).

Women: 1. Sunitha (Railways) (4:30.6s), 2. Harijit Kaur (Punjab) (4:31.2s), 3. Simimol Paulose (Kerala) (4:32.0s).

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Section  : Sport
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