Minister Inaugurates Telangana State National Masters Athletic Championship
Hyderabad’s GMC Balayogi Stadium in Gachibowli hosted the inauguration of the 11th Telangana State National Masters Athletic Championship on Saturday. The event was officially opened by Health Minister C. Damodar Raja Narasimha.
The two-day championship, organized by the National Masters Athletic Association (NMAA), has gathered 954 athletes, including 304 women, from 19 districts across Telangana. The participants range in age from 30 to 95 years and are grouped into 14 age categories.
Athletes are competing in 19 different events, including track events such as 100-meter to 10,000-meter runs. The second day will feature events like the 5,000-meter run, javelin throw, 1,500-meter run, high jump, 200-meter run, hammer throw, and the 4×400-meter relay.
Organizers expect the number of participants to exceed 1,000 due to spot registrations on Sunday. Winners and runners-up from this championship will qualify for the national event to be held in Thrissur, Kerala, from January 31 to February 3. Around 22 to 23 states are expected to participate in the national competition.
During his address, Chief Guest Damodar Raja Narasimha urged parents to support their children’s interests in sports, emphasizing the importance of physical activity for maintaining a healthy body and mind. He also expressed concern about the rise in lifestyle diseases like high blood pressure and diabetes, which affect millions due to sedentary habits.
The minister praised the event for encouraging older adults to participate, highlighting how their involvement could inspire others to stay active and lead healthier lives.
