Hyderabad: 400 Elderly to Compete in 6th National Senior Citizens Open Championship

Hyderabad: Around 400 senior citizens, men and women, from seven states, in the age bracket of 55 to 95 years, will compete in the 6th National Senior Citizens Open Championship here on December 8. The competitions will cover 13 athletic events and will be held at a ground behind RTC Hospital, Osmania University, Tarnaka.

According to M.R.P. Babu, a 75-year-old sprinter, the championship is being organised by the Healthy Senior Citizens Sports Association. The competition will be held in different age groups for races in 100, 200, 400, 800, 1500 and 3000 metre categories and a three-km walk. The other competitions include long jump, triple jump, discuss throw, shot-put, javelin and hammer throw.

The objective behind this championship is to sensitise senior citizens to the importance of an active lifestyle. "Retirement doesn't mean staying indoors and taking rest all the time. The elders must lead an active lifestyle to avoid diseases," Babu said.