BHOPAL, 17 December 2005 — Ajay Keer created a history by winning the only gold medal for Madhya Pradesh on the last day in the 26th All India Junior Rowing Championship, which concluded here at the Upper Lake recently. Kerala team stood first with six medals, including two golds. It is for the first time that any rowing player won gold for the Madhya Pradesh team. Hosts Madhya Pradesh team was desperate to win a medal in the championship was quite excited when Ajay Keer won the only medal in the championship in the form of gold. Before the start of the boys’ single scull, the state team was in the dumps as the team had failed to grab a single medal in the championship.
At the start of the race, Ajay made it clear that he was there to make history. Having contestants like Lokesh Kumar of Andhra Pradesh and Benshrao B of Kerala, it was not easy for the young Ajay to put challenge against them. However, Benshrao lost the event, as he could not move the ore like Lokesh and Ajay. Such was the close fight between the players of AP and MP that spectators were not clear till the end of the race as to who was the winner. But the day was for Ajay as he won the respective category after completing it in 8.48 minutes followed by Lokesh who came second with the timing of 8 min 58 secs. With this medal Madhya Pradesh stood fifth in the event.
Meanwhile, coach Mohan Shakya said it was a matter of pride for the state team and their coach to enjoy when Ajay Keer won the gold. “I was expecting a medal from him but by winning gold he made me proud,” he remarked. Keer’s medal will motivate others, he added.
Chief guest of the closing ceremony, Madhya Pradesh Minister for Panchayat and Rural Development Narendra Singh Tomar distributed prizes to the winners. On the occasion, Rowing Association of India (RAI) President KP Singh Deo, MP Rowing Association President Nistish Bharadawaj, BDCA Vice President A.S. Singh Deo, secretary Vinod Gogia, Water Sports Center in-charge Jalaj Chaturvedi and others were present.
