LOCAL athletes shone brightly as Manoj Chavhan and Manshi Patankar claimed the Under-20 titles in the State-level javelin throw competition held at RTMNU Sports Complex, Ravi Nagar on the occasion of National Javelin Day. The event, organised by Nagpur District Athletics Association with the approval of Athletics Federation of India and Maharashtra Athletics Association, saw over 125 athletes in action. It marked the anniversary of Neeraj Chopra’s historic gold at the Tokyo Olympics on August 7, 2021. In the boys’ Under-20 category, Manoj of Mission Lakshvedh Nagpur produced a best throw of 60.75 metres to clinch gold.

 

Tushar Dewre of Rising Sprinters Club, Akola (44.33m) and Darshan Chaudhari of Mahatma Gandhi High School (40.87m) took silver and bronze respectively. In girls section, Manshi of Track Star Athletics Club, dominated with a throw of 24.77 metres. Sambodhi Gedam (20.33m) and Anita Chaudhari (18.39m), both of Mahatma Gandhi High School, Wanadongri, finished second and third, respectively. In the open men’s group, Milind Pawar of High Heels, Sambhajinagar, bagged gold with 43.83 metres. Abhishek Sharma (27.60m) and Vinod Paswan (20.55m) followed at second and third spot, respectively. Khushbu Manikpure of Spartan topped the women’s open section with 16.51 metres, ahead of Neha Kushwaha (13.60m) and Neetu Yadav (7.60m). Winners were felicitated with medals and certificates. Nagpur District Athletics Association President Gurudev Nagarale presided over the closing ceremony. National Youth Award winner Sanjay Dudhe and Commonwealth bronze medallist Ritesh Anand were the guests.