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Ethiopians on top at Delhi Half Marathon (Lead)
New Delhi, Oct 21 (IANS) Ethiopia ruled the roost at the 2018 Delhi Half Marathon on Sunday with Tsehay Gemechu setting a new course record on her way to the women’s title while Andamlak Belihu emerged triumphant among the men.
Tsehay beat off some tough competition to cross the line at 1 hour 6 minutes and 50 seconds. In the process she broke the long standing previous record of 1:06:54 which was set by Mary Keitany of Kenya in 2009.
Joyciline Jepkosgei of Kenya, the current world record holder, was second at 1:06:56 while Ethiopia’s Zeineba Yimer was third with 1:06:59.
In the men’s category, Belihu recorded a time of 59 minutes and 17 seconds. His compatriot Amdework Walelegn was a close second with a personal best of 59:21.
Kenya, the other powerhouse of long distance running, got the bronze as Daniel Kipchumba finished third with a time of 59:48.
Among the Indian men, Abhishek Pal finished first at 1:04:13.
He was given a tough fight throughout the race by Avinash Sable who was a mere second behind at 1:04:14.
Gopi Thonakal was third with 1:04:15.
Among the Indian women, Sanjivani Jadhav (1:13:58), Parul Chaudhary (1:14:01) and Monika Athare (1:16:55) were the top three finishers.
The men’s race was a fast, neck and neck contest from start to finish. Belihu and Walelegn both crossed the 10-km mark at 28:02 with Kipchumba trailing them by one second.
Walelegn matched Belihu stride for stride till the 17-km mark after which the latter increased his pace and gradually began to pull away.
Belihu, who had finished runner-up to fellow Ethiopian Berhanu Legese last year, asserted that he had worked harder in the run up to this edition.
“I was not able to win last year. I trained harder this year. I was determined to win this year and I am happy that all my hard work has borne fruit,” he told the media after the race.
“Last year was my first experience here. I had better knowledge of the course this year which came in handy. The pacemaker did not do the kind of job I wanted, otherwise I would have perhaps registered a better timing. But I am happy with my performance,” he added.
The 19-year-old, who has started competing in marathons and half marathons only recently, wants to focus on track events for now.
“I am not thinking of marathons for now. I want to focus on track events and win gold at the World Athletics Championships and the World Cross Country Championships next year. I might switch to the marathon sometime in the future,” he said.
–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.