Date:21/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/21/stories/2008052154362000.htm

Sport - Athletics

Five athletes shine

BANGALORE: The World Athletics Day meet that unfolded at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium here on Tuesday saw five athletes bagging a double each.

G. Annapoorna of CMR National Public School claimed a double winning the 400m (1:26.0 secs) and the high jump (1.15 m) for girls under 10 while Yatheen M.N of SAI Club did the double in the 150m (18.1 secs) and the high jump (1.55 m) in the boys’ under 15 section.

Robin Francis (YSC Bangalore) won the shot put (13.07m) and the discuss (34.44m) in the boys’ under-17 category.

And, Nirupama Sunderraj of Baldwin HS won the under-17 girls’ 100m (12.3s) and 400m (59.8s). Chayanika Pereira (St. Bridgets, Sri Lanka) too claimed a double, winning the shot put (8.88m) and discus throw (27.62m).

The event, however, was marred by a scuffle that broke out soon after the inauguration.

As chief guest Pramila Aiyappa was taking the salute, a scuffle broke out on the dais between the Karnataka Athletics Association vice president R.K. Gopalakrishna and the secretary Satyanarayana.

The fracas in front over 1000 children, made a sad spectacle and was a poor reflection on the state of affairs within the faction-ridden association.