Kits extended to five 2024 World Masters Athletics Championships bound State athletes

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jul 14 : Manipur Masters Athletics Association extended kits to five State athletes who will be representing India at the 2024 World Masters Athletics Championships (WMAC) in a simple function held today at Khuman Lampak.
Notably, Thiyam Radhesana, Lairenlakpam Bembem, Salam Somananda, Dr Takhelmayum Umesh and Toijam Rojikumar from Manipur are in the Indian contingent for the WMAC due to be hosted by Sweden from August 13 to 15 in Gothenburg.
The kit distribution function was attended by key functionaries of  Manipur Masters Athletics Association including president-S Rahman Shah, secretary- S Thambal Sharma and others.
Speaking at the function, association secretary S Thambal shared development pertaining to a dispute of the National controlling body of masters athletes which has now been settled recently.
As the Masters Athletics Federation of India has become the undisputed National controlling body for Masters Athletics, State athletes who want to pursue their athletic activities at the National and international levels should thus associate with State's masters athletics controlling body-  Manipur Masters Athletics Association, he added.
In the 25th edition of the world championships, Manipur's Thiyam Radhesana will be competing in the three events-100 m race, 80 m hurdles race, and 400 m hurdles race for over 45 years.
Radhesana is presently serving as the Sub-Inspector with the Manipur Police Department. She is the spouse of Sapam Dilip of Yurembam Awang Leikai.
Compatriot Lairenlakpam Bembem in the meantime will be participating in the long jump, triple jump, high jump and 2000 m steeplechase events for the same above 45 years category.
Bembem, born to Lairenlakpam Dhananjay and Lairenlakpam Ongbi Sanajaobi of Thoubal Kiyam Siphai, is also a Manipur Police Sub-Inspector.
Somonanda, who is serving with the Indian Reserve Battalion, will be competing in the 100 m race, Long Jump, Triple Jump and Pole Vault events for men's above 40 years category. He was born to Salam Manglemba and Salam Ongbi Lata Devi of Moirang Kumam Leikai.
Meanwhile, Dr Takhelmayum Umesh, who is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Orthopaedics, JNIMS will be participating in the 100 m race, 200 m race and 110 hurdles race for men above 40 years at the championships. He is the son of Takhelmayum Rakesh and Takhelmayum Ongbi Memma Devi of Kongpal Chingangbam Leikai.
Toijam Rojikumar, Senior AO at AG, will on the other hand represent India in the above 55 years men's discus throw and hammer throw events at the championship.
Rojikumar is the son of late Toijam Kerani and Toijam Ongbi Thoibi Devi of Kongpal Ningthoujam Leikai.