Continuing its tradition of honouring talented sports persons of the city on the occasion of World Sports Journalists’ Day, Sports Journalists’ Association of Nagpur (SJAN) honoured Nagpur district Under-16 basketball team members and international boxer Alfiya Pathan at its office.
The basketball team emerged champion on consecutive two occasions in Maharashtra State Youth (Under-16) Basketball Championship at Satara whereas boxer Alfiya Pathan has represented India in two junior international event and clinched silver medal in Nation Cup Championship at Serbia.
Deputy director of Sports Subhash Rewatkar and DSO Avinash Pund graced the occasion. The players were presented kit bags on the occasion.
While sharing her experience Alfiya who has participated in six national and two international championship said now she was concentrating on forthcoming Asian Junior Championship.
“The silver medal at Serbia is one of the most memorable event in my life and now I will try to bring the laurels to the county in Asian championshipâ€, she said.
Siya Deodhar speaking on the behalf of basketball players said, “ It was really an amazing journey to win back to back titles. Regular coaching helped up to build good team. Coaches were also very positive about our success. Secondly, I thank to NDBA and SJAN for boosting out confidenceâ€, she said.
Rewatkar and Avinash Pund also guided the players.
SJAN president Kishor Bagde and secretary Suhas Nayse welcomed the guests. Dr Ram Thakur conducted the proceedings and also proposed a vote of thanks.
Those basketball players who were honoured on the occasion include Siya Deodhar, Shomira Bidaye, Swati Wankhede, Gauri Adane, Sanjana Khandelwal, Aarya Dongre, Dhara Phate, Sameeksha Chandak, Saee Deshmukh, Krupee Sharma, Swatika Datta and Preeti Sathawane. Coach Dhiraj Kadao and assistant coach Aayush Agrawal were also honoured. Shiv Chhatrapati awardee Shatrughna Gokhale, Pranay Ghate, Ajay Sontakke and others were also present on the occasion.
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