Ishant, Savita bag gold in under-19 athletics championship

Ishant from Hamirpur district and Savita from Bilaspur won gold medals in the 1500-metre boys and girls races, respectively, on the opening day of the State Level Under-19 Athletics Championship, which began yesterday. Aryan from Hamirpur claimed silver, while Bakhsheesh from Mandi took bronze in among boys. In the women’s category, Shine from Hamirpur and Anamika from Shimla won silver and bronze, respectively.

A total of 422 athletes—227 boys and 195 girls—from 12 districts and two sports hostels are competing in the championship.

The event was inaugurated by Sujanpur MLA Ranjit Singh Rana, who emphasised that sports are crucial for the holistic development of young individuals, promoting discipline, brotherhood, and a healthy lifestyle that keeps them away from harmful influences like drug addiction. He highlighted that Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu’s initiatives, such as increased diet allowances and prize money, are geared toward promoting sports across the state.

Deputy Director of Higher Education Anil Kaushal and Secretary of the District School Sports Association Santosh Chauhan provided details about the competition. Students from local schools performed cultural programs, and DAV School’s band squad delivered an impressive display.

Principals Mushtaq Mohammad of the Boys’ Government Senior Secondary School and Poonam Chauhan of the Girls’ GSSS were also in attendance.