MASA retain overall title at athletics meet in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Defending champions Mar Athanasius Sports Academy (MASA), Kothamangalam, retained the MK Joseph Memorial Kerala State Inter District Club Athletics Championship, which concluded here on Wednesday, for the second straight year with 243 points.
Malabar Sports Academy, Pulloorampara in Kozhikode, were the surprise runners-up with 209.99 points and were followed by former champions SAI, Thiruvananthapuram (207.5 points), Pala Alphonsa Athletic Club (128), World Malayalee Council Dronacharya KP Thomas Mash Sports Academy, Poonjar in Kottayam (103) and GV Raja Sports School, Thiruvananthapuram (98.33).
On the final day, in boys under-20, Anand Krishna K of MASA clocked 32 minutes 4:52 seconds in 10000m event. The old record of 32:46.20s was set by Sanjay PM in 2015. Adarsh Binu (SB College, Changanaserry, 33: 32.77s) and Sandeep U (XL Athletic Club, Thrissur, 33:48.91s) were second and third, respectively.
The organizers, Kerala State Athletics Association, also confirmed that Aditya Kumar Singh's 10.89 seconds in the semifinals of the 100m event in boys U-18 will be a new meet record.
“On the first day we had 42 finals and the morning rains robbed us of at least 90 minutes. In the rush of things, our technical officials completely overlooked (Aditya's record). It was a huge mistake and we have corrected it now,” said Babu PI, secretary, KSAA.
In all, 145 clubs and 1600 athletes competed in the three-day event.
National campers chip in for Athulya
Kerala athletes and coaches in the national camp have contributed Rs 90,000 for the treatment of Athluya P Saji, state champion in 400m hurdles, who is under treatment for a life-threatening disease at a city hospital here.