BRAVING consistent rains, the quadruple of walking enthusiasts Ishwar Polkar, Ranjeet Karutkar, Charulata Patil and Asha Mahajan emerged champions in their respective categories in SJAN-Tirupati Urban Co-Operative Bank Media Walkathon at Dr Ambedkar College, Deekshabhoomi ground here on Sunday.

The annual event organised by Sports Journalists’ Association of Nagpur (SJAN) was also supported by Nagpur District Athletics Association. Despite heavy rains in the morning around 100 media persons turned up at the venue and participated in the walk with a lot of enthusiasm.

Lokmat’s Polkar emerged champion in the Men Above 50 category while Karutkar of Dainik Bhaskar took the honours in the Men Below 50 group. In the Women employee category Charulata finished first leading a clean sweep by Dainik Bhaskar. In the Family category, Asha took the first place.

Rajendra Raut, CEO of Tirupati Urban Co-Operative Bank, who was chief guest of the prize distribution function, applauded the participants for taking part in huge numbers in spite of rains. He also urged the gathering to make it a habit to keep exercising for the sake of overall health benefits.

Dr Sharad Suryawanshi, Secretary, NDAA and Director, Sports and Physical Education Department, RTMNU also addressed the gathering. Raut and Suryawanshi, along with and noted sports organiser and Shiv Chhatrapati awardee Girish Gadge, distributed the prizes. NDAA President Gurudeo Nagrale and Nagpur District Football Association Vice-President Abdul Latif were prominently present on the occasion. NDAA’s Ramchandra Wani handled the technical aspect of the event.

SJAN President Dr Ram Thakur made introductory remarks. Piyush Patil conducted the proceedings while Anupam Soni proposed a vote of thanks.

RESULTS

Men Above 50: Ishwar Polkar (Lokmat), Rajesh Sharma (Lokmat), Shashi Rahate (TOI). Men Below 50: Ranjeet Karutkar (Dainik Bhaskar), Nitin Bagde (Star In 24 Tas), Shridhar Hatagade (Punyanagari).

Women: Charulata Patil, Sheela Bante, Anita Peddulwar (all from Dainik Bhaskar). Family category: Asha Mahajan, Sarita Hurmade and Vishakha Luley.