The National Open Athletics Championships witnessed a significant upset on Monday at the Birsa Munda Stadium in Morabadi. Samardeep Gill, culminating a remarkably consistent season, secured the men’s shot put gold medal, triumphing over a less-than-peak Tajinderpal Singh Toor.
Hailing from Madhya Pradesh, the 24-year-old athlete shook off a shaky start, which included an initial foul. He consistently launched the iron ball past the 18-meter mark on two occasions, ultimately breaking the 19-meter barrier in his final three attempts. His standout performance was his very last throw, reaching an impressive 19.79 meters.
“I wasn’t able to perform at my absolute best today; I had set a higher target for myself,” Samardeep admitted. Despite his modesty, this victory marked his seventh throw over 19 meters this season, a testament to his consistent form. His personal best remains 19.82 meters, achieved at the National Inter-State Championships in Chennai back in August.
For two-time Asian Games gold medalist Tajinderpal Singh Toor, it was a challenging day. After a roller-coaster year, he struggled to unleash his characteristic 20-meter-plus throws. Nevertheless, his final attempt of 19.32 meters was strong enough to secure the silver medal.
In another highlight, 17-year-old Nitin Gupta made an unforgettable debut in elite competition. The Asian Under-18 5000m race walk silver medalist and reigning National junior champion in the 10000m race walk, conquered the humid morning conditions. He clocked an impressive 1:24:22.98 to claim the men’s 20km race walk title.
Nitin’s promising career took another step forward after he joined the Army in August, following a two-year tenure with the Army Boys Sports Company. He now has ambitious goals, aiming for both the Commonwealth Games and the World Junior Championships next year.
In the high jump event, Railways’ athlete Rohit soared to a height of 2.18m, securing the gold medal. His victory came in the absence of Sarvesh Kushare, who had placed sixth at the World Championships but was forced to withdraw due to a groin injury.
The men’s javelin throw saw impressive performances from Shivam Lohakare and Anand Singh. Lohakare achieved a throw of 76.39m, while Singh recorded 75.46m, with both athletes comfortably exceeding the 75m qualification mark to advance directly to the finals.
Final Results (Winners Only):
Men’s Events:
- 4x100m Relay: Railways (39.44 seconds)
- 20km Race Walk: Nitin Gupta (SSCB) (1:24:22.98)
- High Jump: Rohit (Railways) (2.18m)
- Long Jump: Mohammed Sazid (Haryana) (7.78m)
- Shot Put: Samardeep Gill (Madhya Pradesh) (19.79m)
- Hammer Throw: Damneet Singh (Punjab) (68.71m)
Women’s Events:
- 4x100m Relay: Railways (45.09 seconds)
- 20km Race Walk: Munita Prajapati (Railways) (1:36:14.34)
- Pole Vault: Baranica Elangovan (Railways) (4.10m)
- Javelin Throw: Deepika (Haryana) (54.86m)