Adi Poojary, Riana Saraiya emerge MSSA’s fastest sprinters

Adi Poojary (left) and Riana Saraiya during their respective MSSA 100m finals at the University Sports Pavilion. Pics/Shadab Khan

Adi Poojary, 15, Pawar Public School (Chandivali) and Riana Saraiya of The Cathedral & John Connon School (Fort) emerged as the fastest boy and girl, winning the 100 metres dash in the under-16 events of the MSSA 128th Annual Inter-School Athletic Championship 2022-2023 and played at the Mumbai University ground, Marine Lines on Monday.

The Pawar Public School runner who led from the gun finished in a time of 11.45 secs to take the gold. Laxman Shetkar of Gokuldham High School (Goregaon) won the silver in 11.87 secs, while Yuv Vora of Jamnabai Narsee School (Juhu) claimed the bronze in 11.99 secs. "Although I took the lead from the gun, I kept pushing hard as I wanted to finish in a good time and boost my confidence for the 200 race later," Adi, whose idol is Usain Bolt, informed Mid-Day.

Meanwhile, Riana beat the rest of the field finishing a decent time of 13.06 secs to clinch the gold medal. Meanwhile, Shriya Rovalekar of Udayachal Schools pocketed the silver clocking a time of 13.12 secs while Daphne Nadar of St. John Universal School picked up the bronze with a time of 13.31 secs. "I am very excited as this is my first gold medal in the MSSA U-16 competition as last year I won the 100 and 200 metres bronze," said Riana mentioned.

Photo-Finish System at MSSA athletics

For the first time in the history of the MSSA Athletics Championship, a Photo-Finish System (PFS) with live display of races on a huge LED screen was installed for the 128th MSSA Annual Inter-School Athletics Championships at the Mumbai University Ground, Marine Lines, on Monday. The PFS which is used at major national and international events, evaluates race results in close finishes right until 1000th of a second, has been implemented by Trackblazers Management Systems (TMS), informed Arthur D'Souza, head of the MSSA competition's organising committee. The equipment costs approximately Rs 20 lakh.

Also Read: Campion are u-12 Div I champs