Southern Railway emerge as champion at All India RPF Athletic Championship

Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], August 19 (ANI): The 30th All India Railway Protection Force (RPF) Athletic Meet 2023 concluded with a spectacular display of athletic prowess and unity at the Railway Sports Complex, Secunderabad.
In the overall championship category, Southern Railway stood as the undisputed champion with an impressive tally of 235 points. Eastern Railway closely followed with 171 points, and Central Railway secured the third position with 146 points.
The event brought together 275 athletes from 16 zonal railways, including RPSF, for a riveting competition featuring 25 diverse athletics events. Notably, 99 women and 176 men athletes participated, showcasing their dedication and determination. The championship kicked off with a vibrant opening ceremony on August 17, inaugurated by Rajeev Kumar Gangele, Additional Divisional Railway Manager, Operations, Secunderabad, alongside DIG, RPF, South Central Railway (SCR) Md. Shadan Zeb Khan, and Sr. Divisional Security Commissioner (DSC), SC Debashmita C. Banerjee. This marked the official commencement of a high-energy showcase of sportsmanship and skill across various disciplines.
Arun Kumar Jain General Manager of South-Central Railway said, "The athletic meet encompassed a dynamic range of events, including sprints like the 100 meters dash, field events like shot put and high jump, and endurance challenges like the 10 km race. Each event symbolized the athletes' dedication to their craft and their pursuit of excellence."
The championship reached its climax with a memorable closing ceremony on August 19th, graced by distinguished figures including Arun Kumar Jain, General Manager of South-Central Railway, and R. Dhananjayulu, AGM, SCR. Esteemed attendees, including Inspector General-cum–Principal Chief Security Commissioner (IG-PCSC) RPF Aroma Singh Thakur, Bhartesh Kumar Jain, DRM Secunderabad, and Lokesh Vishnoi, DRM Hyderabad, added to the event's prestige.
"Beyond the competition, the 30th All India RPF Athletic Meet 2023 showcased unity within the railway community and highlighted the collective spirit of athletes. The meticulous planning by the organizing committee and the unwavering support from the railway community played a pivotal role in making the championship a grand success," he added.
In the Athletics championship, Southern Railway emerged as the leader, securing a total of 37 medals, including 13 gold medals. Eastern Railway secured the second position with 27 medals, while Central Railway secured the third spot with 16 medals.
The 30th All India RPF Athletic Meet 2023 celebrated the athletes' achievements, their dedication to the sport, and the spirit of unity that defined the championship. This event will be remembered for fostering camaraderie and showcasing outstanding athletic excellence within the railway fraternity. (ANI)