The Mysore District Athletics Association (MDAA) presented the prestigious Nandi Awards for the year 2016-17 to sports persons, sports journalist & photo-journalist and sports promoters at a programme organised at Maharaja’s College Centenary Hall here last evening.

The awards to the sports persons were given away by Olympian and Arjuna Award winner Ashwini Nachappa. Also present were Vasu, MLA and Chairman, MDAA, Somashekar, President, MDAA, Dr. P. Krishniah, Director (in-charge), Dept. of Physical Education, UOM, B. Srikanth, Hon. Secretary, MDAA, Mahesh Ballal & Abhilash Nair, Vice-Presidents, MDAA and B.Kumar, MD, Bhyrava Groups.

Cycle Pure Agarbathis bagged the Distinguished Sports Promoter Nandi Award and M.R. Suresh, CEO of Cycle Pure Agarbathis, Mysuru, received the Award. K. Onkar Murthy, Senior Reporter, Prajavani, Mysuru, was conferred with Distinguished Sports Journalist Nandi Award, while M.S. Basavanna (Anurag Basavaraj), was conferred with the Distinguished Photo-Journalist Award.

Best Athletes (2016-17) Award was conferred on Thippavva Sannakki (Women’s section), M.G. Radesh (Men’s section), Meghana Balakrishna Devanga (Junior women), V. Ambika (Girls U-18), B. Manush (Boys U-18), D. Varshini (Girls U-16), Sharon Sthuthi (Girls U-14) and Nikhil S. Atchgal (Boys U-14).

The upcoming athletes (boys & girls), who attended the month-long athletic coaching camp conducted jointly by University of Mysore and MDAA, were given away mementos.

Speaking on the occasion, Ashwini Nachappa recalled her younger days and asked the young sports persons to work hard by setting smaller goals and achieve them.

She was all praise for the MDAA for conducting such a function and honouring the athletes, journalists and sport-promoters in one forum.

Stating that healthy body leads to a healthy mind, she advised every one to take part in some sports activities to stay healthy.

MLA & MDAA Chairman Vasu, speaking on the occasion, assured that MDAA will work to promote athletics in the district and will tap upcoming talents with regular activities from the Association. Wishing all the award-winners success, he emphasised the need for other sports persons from the district also to work hard to reach greater heights.