Indian Open U-23 Athletics: Odisha Finish Creditable 3rd; Animesh Kujur Best Male Athlete

Bhubaneswar: The 18-member Odisha squad finished a creditable third in the medals tally at the 4th Indian Open Under-23 Athletics Championship with a haul of 5 gold and 2 silver.

Ace sprinter Animesh Kujur completed a sprint double by winning the 200m event in Patna. He set a meet record with a timing of 20.65 seconds, erasing his own mark. Kujur had earlier created another meet record en route to winning the 100m event in 10.38 seconds.

Kujur was adjudged the Best Male Athlete of the championship.

Sharing his joy over his success at the event, Animesh said

“I am glad that I could maintain consistency the entire season. I am really happy to have won the Best Male Athlete award”, said Kujur.

ODISHA’S OTHER GOLD & SILVER WINNERS

Laxmi Priya Kisan — Gold in Women’s 800m and Silver in 1500m with personal best timings.

Jasbir Nayak — Gold in Decathlon with meet record (7065 points)

A Graceson Jeeva — Gold in Men’s 110m Hurdles.

Mary Mukta Soreng — Silver in Women’s Triple Jump.