INDIA/FINLAND: Bhawani Devi Dagar recorded 24.74 seconds and achieved the gold medal in the 100m sprint at World Masters Athletics Championships, held in Tampere, Finland. The Haryana based athlete previously named herself three gold medals at the ongoing National Masters Athletics Championships that were held in Chennai.
The 94 years old qualified among 500 athletes from 26 states competing across 13 different age groups. Deswal had previously bagged three gold medals at the Delhi State Athletics Championship in 100m, shot put and javelin throw events. This made her the way of competing in the National Championships by virtue of being a state-level medal winner.
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Anurag thakur took to Twitter, informing that Ms Bhagwani won the gold with a time of 24.74 seconds. Additionally, she also won a bronze medal in shot-put. This is a very proud moment for India as Bhawani Devi proved, “age has no limit”.
The Department of Sports, appreciated this enthusiasm and wrote: “Truly commendable effort.” This World Masters Athletics Championships is organised for athletes aged 35 years and older. This event is booked from June 29 to July 10 in Finland. Bureaucrats including Anurag Thakur, Hardeep Singh Puri and Piyush Goyal congratulated the 94-year-old athlete calling her an “inspiration for all”.
Mr Goyal wrote, “The World At Her Feet! We are so proud of you Bhagwani Devi Dagar ji, for bagging a gold & two bronze for India at the World Masters Athletics Championships in Finland. What an achievement at 94!”.
Delhi CM Aravind Kejriwal also appreciated the lady for the big win, “I congratulate Bhagwani Devi Ji who has won laurels for India at the World Masters Athletics Championships at 94. Her spirit and strength are an inspiration for all of us. India is proud of you, Bhagwani ji. Keep rising.”
ALSO READ: Indian Envoy Won’t Attend Beijing Winter Olympics: MEA
