Ashwini set to enter 4x400 relay team

Patiala, Jul 20: Ashwini Akkunji looks poised to enter the Indian 4x400M relay team for the World Championships in athletics after coming through the trials at the NIS track here on Friday.

Ashwini, who is back after a two-year ban for doping, finished second in the one-lap race, clocking 54.7 seconds.

Nirmala, who is assured of a berth in the Indian team having been part of the gold-winning Asian Championships quartet, ran to set the pace and went on to win in 54.6 seconds.

Anilda Thomas and Ashwini was tied at the finish and was credited with the same time of 54.7.

Priyanka and Sarita were the other athletes who took part in the trials. Sarita was fourth in 55.8 secs, while Priyanka came fifth clocking 56.2. The Athletics Federation of India secretary C K Valson had earlier said that all the four members of the Asian Championships team would be retained with trials being held to pick two other runners who will then form the six-member team. As such, Ashwini and Anilda should make the cut, joining Nirmala, Tintu Luka, Anu Mariam Jose and M?R Poovamma.

But the final picture will emerge only on Saturday when the selection committee meets to name the Indian team for the Moscow Worlds. AFI had attempted to bring Ashwini in the team at Pune itself but the Asian Athletic Association's technical delegates had rejected the move.

Ashwini had won a gold each in women's 400M hurdles and 4x400M relay in the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou before she was caught for doping the following year. Her two-year ban period ended on July 3.

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SMR Public School’s ‘EXCELLENTIA’ highlights academic excellence and holistic growth

News Network

December 16,2025

Melkar (Bantwal): The 9th Annual Day celebration of SMR Public School, titled “EXCELLENTIA”, was held on December 15 with great enthusiasm and dignity, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey towards academic excellence and holistic development.

The programme was inaugurated by Dr. U. T. Iftikar Ali. The chief guests were Dr. Akhtar Hussain, Mr. P. Moosabba Beary, Mr. Zakaria Jokattre, and Dr. T. M. Abdul Rahuf—whose inspiring addresses motivated the students and appreciated the school’s contributions to education.

Mr. Abdul Nasir, Mr. Ibrahim Gadiyar, Mr. Razak Golthamajal, Mr. Sali Koya, Mr. Arshad Hussain, Mr. Ismail Balanoor, Mr. Feroz Bawa, Mr. Sahul Hameed, Mr. Abubakkar, Mr. Hameed K. Mani, Mr. Abdul Majeed (Principal, Melkar Women’s College), and Mr. Abdul Lathief (Former Principal, Melkar Women’s College) were the guests of honour.

The Annual Report was presented by the Headmistress, Ms. Fathimathul Zaheera, highlighting the school’s achievements and progress during the academic year. The Presidential Address was delivered by the Chairman of SMR Public School, Dr. Haji S. M. Rasheed, who emphasised the vital role of education in shaping students’ futures and stressed the importance of discipline, dedication, and consistent effort in achieving 100 per cent academic results.

Secretary of SMR Public School, Mr. Rifath Ahmed, and PTA President, Mr. Sandeep Kumar, were also present on the occasion.

The Annual Day celebration showcased the collective efforts of students and teachers and reaffirmed the school’s commitment to quality education and all-round development. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries, parents, and well-wishers for their support. The 9th Annual Day—EXCELLENTIA—was a memorable and successful event, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present.

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