Delhi to host 72nd All-India Railway Athletics Championship

New Delhi, Aug 30 (UNI) The 72nd edition of the All-India Railway Athletics Championship for men and women, the most prestigious sports meet in the Railway Sports Calendar, will be held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here during September 5-7.

The Athletics Championship will be jointly organised by the Railway Sports Promotion Board and the Northern Railway Sports Association.

Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav will be the chief guest at the closing ceremony on September 7.

Several dignitaries from different national sports federations and eminent sportspersons are expected to attend the opening ceremony of the event.

About 22 men's teams and 15 women's teams from Zonal Railways and Production Units will vie for top honours in the championship.

More than 800 leading players from all over Indian Railways, some of them enjoying international repute, would participate in the tournament.

This event is important as the performance of athletes is closely watched, which serves the basis for their selection in the Railway teams in the National Athletics Championship.

Besides awarding the winners of the championship, awards for the Best Sportspersons and Best Team of the year will also be presented.

UNI/SKS PM RS1425