Trichy: While Tamil Nadu team came out with flying colours in the 40th National Masters Athletics Championship 2019 held at Guntur, A Myilvaganan, deputy commissioner, crime and traffic, Trichy bagged two gold medals.Organised by Masters Athletic Federation of India (MAFI) for men and women (35 years and above), close to 4,000 athletes from across the state took part in various events that concluded on February 10.Those who triumphed in the state-level competitions were selected for the national level championship to represent their state.Winning silver and bronze medals at the state-level championship held in December last year, Myilvaganan qualified for the nationals among 25 athletes from Tamil Nadu police, a part of over hundred-member Tamil Nadu team.Speaking to TOI, Myilvaganan said that “It was in college, about two decades ago, when I participated last in such tournaments. Winning two gold medals is indeed encouraging in such national level tournaments.While he won the medals in 4X100 and 4X400 relay, he said the Tamil Nadu team was one of the toughest in the tournament. We could win 4X100 with ease but 4X400 was a bit tough, but we managed to pull it off.Known for his fitness, the deputy commissioner said that he works out in gym regularly, but sprint is entirely different where fitness alone would not work. It took six months of training as it is all about endurance, speed and technique.I came 5th in the 100-metres by competing with athletes who have been practising for the past 20 years. But with 6 months of training, I could come close to the winners which was a real encouragement in the tournament, he said.The team representing Tamil Nadu bagged the overall championship with a total 28 medals including 14 gold, 5 silver and 9 bronze medals. This includes the best athlete award in male and female category.

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