Indian sports wrap, September 21: Deva, Madina win Udaipur Half Marathon

ATHLETICS

Deva, Madina win

Deva Ram and Madina Paul emerged victorious in the male and female category, respectively, in the Vedanta Zinc City Half Marathon in Udaipur on Sunday.

The event, which is being championed as ‘India’s most beautiful marathon’, saw over 7000 people from 27 states (across three categories: 21 km, 10 km, and 5 km) taking part, a 40 per cent increase from the inaugural edition last year.

“Finishing 21 km in 1 hour 35 minutes and winning this year, just like last year, is an incredible feeling. This platform inspires us to push our limits,” Madina said after collecting her winner’s medal.

Ram, meanwhile, reserved special praise for the scenic beauty of the route, with the breathtaking Fateh Sagar Lake and the imposing yet impressive Aravalli Ranges being the highlights. “As a national player and avid marathoner who has completed over 200 marathons, I can say that running on this route with Fatehsagar lake as the backdrop is an experience that truly stands out,” he remarked.

Arun Mishra, CEO of Hindustan Zinc and a finisher in the half marathon, expressed joy at the turnout. “The overwhelming participation shows how Udaipur is embracing fitness as a way of life. What started as a local initiative has now evolved into an international celebration of health, purpose and people power,” he noted.

– Anirudh Velamuri

TENNIS

Fenesta Open National hard court championship to begin on September 29

The 30th edition of the Fenesta Open National Tennis Championship will begin here at DLTA Complex on September 29 with former champions Vishnu Vardhan and VM Ranjeet in the fray once again.

The qualifying rounds for men’s and women’s will begin from September 27.

The age group events (U-18, U-16, U-14) will be held after the senior event.

– PTI

Published on Sep 21, 2025