Bengaluru: The new synthetic track at the Sree Kanteerava stadium here will host the country’s top athletes for the first time next month at the 61st National Open Athletics Championship. The five-day meet, coming at the fag end of the season, will see around 1,200 athletes — representing more than 30 teams including Railways, Services and ONGC — in action from October 15.
"Preparations are in full swing and all the agencies are working together. The Karnataka Athletics Association (KAA) is hosting the National Open meet after a long time and the government will extend all support. We are looking forward to seeing our top athletes in action," organizing committee chairman and state higher education minister CN Ashwath Narayan told reporters here. The state last hosted the meet here in 2003.
The meet will be inaugurated by chief minister Basavaraj Bommai while governor Thawar Chand Gehlot will preside over the closing ceremony. A total of 47 events will be conducted including the walking events at Cubbon Park, the KAA said.
Athletics Federation of India senior vice president Anju Bobby George said: "The Open Nationals is a prestigious event for the Athletics Federation of India. It comes at the right time for the athletes as it will be held immediately after the National Games."
Anju, who holds the meet record with her 6.74m leap in women's long jump in 2002, also said it's time to focus on the athletes’ achievements after many top stars, including Asian Games medallist MR Poovamma, failed dope tests. "We did well at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games but there were a few negative things (that happened). But we should look at positives."
Railways emerged overall champions in last year's Open Nationals in Warangal. Earlier this month, the AFI had postponed the 5th and 6th legs of the Indian Grand Prix, scheduled to be held here on September 11 and 18.
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