GUWAHATI, March 23 — Veterans athletes, ranging from 35 to 85 years of age from all over the country gathered here for the 29th National Masters Athletic Championship which began at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, Sarusajai here this morning.

However, the meet was formally inaugurated by Chief minister Tarun Gogoi in the afternoon. All the participating teams took part in the march past with clourful attires.

Speaking on the occasion the Chief Minister said that the state government is emphesising on developing the sports infrastructure in order to facilitate the talented younsters in honing their skills.

Over 2400 athletes from 23 states are participating in the meet in different age group and events.

It was nice to see the octagenerians ladies taking part in the 5km walking. They have participated in the event in a true sprit and almost all the participants have completed the event.

Former international Tayabun Nisha took oath on behalf of the participating athletes in the opening ceremony.

On the opening day only jevelin throw and 5000m walking for both men and women took place as few other events had to be postponed.

Assam today won one gold, two silvers and one bronze medals. Mamoni Deka clinched the first gold for Assam in jevelin throw in women’s above 40 years group.

Today’s results: (Jevelin men above 35 yrs) 1st-s Singh (MP), 2nd R Kumar (haryana), 3rd N Phukan (Assam). (Above 40 yrs) 1st S Singh (MP), 2nd A Kumar (UP), 3rd S Rathore (MP). (Above 45 yrs) 1st N Singh (Punjab), 2nd T Baruah (Assam), 3rd K Missong (Assam).

(Jevilin women, above 35 yrs) 1st Rita rani (Punjab), 2nd Shanti Sharma (Delhi), 3rd P Radhamani (TN). (Above 40 yrs) 1st Mamoni Deka (Assam), 2nd Rupashree Chetia (Assam ), 3rd Pusph Kaur (Haryana).

5000m walking (men above 75 yrs) 1st Panchu Gopal Ghosh (WB), 2nd Uday Singh Brahma (Assam), 3rd NR Shanker Rao (Kannataka). (Above 80 yrs) 1st G Satyanarayana (AP), 2nd V Sri ramulu (AP), 3rd Kunan Singh (Punjab). (Above 85 yrs) 1st BD Singh (Jharkhand), 2nd BN Chopra (Delhi), 3rd PS Sabapathy (TN).