Rahul Mehta Breaks 100-m Record at UBS Athletics Kids Cup in Hyderabad
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UBS Athletics Kids Cup crowns young champions in Hyderabad
The UBS Athletics Kids Cup, a vibrant showcase of youthful athletic talent, wrapped up in Hyderabad on Sunday with a flurry of cheers, high‑flying performances, and a series of new school‑level records. Organized by the University Business School (UBS) in collaboration with the Telangana State Athletics Association (TSAA), the event drew over a thousand spectators, a dozen participating schools from across the state, and a handful of local and national coaches who came to assess the next generation of sprinters, jumpers, and throwers.
A Glorious Day of Competition
The venue for the event was the newly upgraded Kakatiya Stadium, a purpose‑built athletics complex that opened earlier this year. The track, a world‑standard 400‑meter synthetic surface, was buzzing with excitement as the first heat of the 100‑meter sprint—open to boys and girls aged 10–12—commenced at 9:15 a.m. The stadium’s 500‑seat stand was packed, and the local media covered the event extensively.
In a highly competitive field, 11‑year‑old Rahul Mehta of St. Peter’s High School broke the event’s standing record with a blistering 12.4 seconds, edging out his rival, 12‑year‑old Arjun Patel from Yashodhar Vidya Mandir, who finished in 12.5 seconds. The crowd erupted in applause, while the event’s chief judge, former Olympian K. V. Sadanand, congratulated both boys on “an outstanding display of speed and discipline.”
In the women’s 100‑meter, 10‑year‑old Aisha Khan from Sai Krishna School recorded a time of 13.8 seconds—slightly slower than the previous record—but still earned her the coveted “Best Sprinter” trophy for her consistent performance across heats. She was later quoted in the article as saying, “I’m just getting started. I want to train harder and set a record next year.”
Other Highlights
Long Jump & Triple Jump
The long‑jump competition saw 12‑year‑old Nikhil Reddy from Nizam’s College Junior School achieve a leap of 4.15 meters, surpassing the previous record of 4.10 meters. He was praised for his impeccable take‑off technique, which the event’s technical coach, Sanjay Reddy, said “is exactly what we are looking for in young athletes.”
The triple‑jump event was equally thrilling. 13‑year‑old Leela Devi of Khairagarh School managed a distance of 6.32 meters, taking the title away from the favorite, 11‑year‑old Sunil Kumar, who finished at 6.25 meters. Leela’s coach, Mrs. Meera Menon, highlighted the importance of consistency in the hop‑step‑jump phases, saying, “She had a solid first hop and a graceful last hop that gave her the edge.”
Throws and Relay
The shot‑put competition was dominated by 13‑year‑old Aravind Rao from Nizam’s, who propelled the 6‑kg shot to 12.75 meters—an impressive distance for his age. Meanwhile, the 4×100‑meter relay team from Bhanwar Rao High School finished in a school‑record time of 43.8 seconds, beating the previous record of 44.5 seconds.
In the discus event, 12‑year‑old Priya Shankar from Jamshedpur Municipal School threw the 2‑kg disc 15.6 meters, winning the gold medal and breaking her own previous record of 15.3 meters.
Beyond the Medals
The UBS Athletics Kids Cup is more than a medal‑giving ceremony; it’s a platform for nurturing athletic talent in a state where sports infrastructure has often lagged behind academic pursuits. The article highlighted the role of the Telangana State Athletics Association, which has been providing coaching clinics, nutrition guidance, and mentorship programs for young athletes since 2018. According to the TSAA’s chief officer, Dr. P. R. Anjali, “Our goal is to create a sustainable pipeline of athletes who can compete not just locally but also on the national and international stage.”
UBS, in partnership with the Ministry of Youth Affairs, has set up a scholarship program for top performers in the Kids Cup. Winners of the 100‑meter sprint and long‑jump events are now eligible for a ₹50,000 scholarship that will cover their coaching, equipment, and travel expenses for future tournaments. Rahul Mehta, the event’s 100‑meter champion, expressed gratitude, “I didn’t know that such a scholarship existed. It will help me focus on training without worrying about costs.”
Community Impact and Future Plans
The event also attracted a number of school principals, teachers, and parents who were eager to see how the competition could inspire younger children to get involved in sports. According to the principal of St. Peter’s High School, Mr. Vijay Rao, “Seeing our students win and receive recognition from the national coaches encourages the whole school to adopt a more sports‑centric approach. It’s a positive shift.”
The Telangana State Athletics Association announced that a third edition of the Kids Cup will be held in 2026 in Warangal, with an expanded schedule that will include new categories such as 400‑meter hurdles and javelin throw. The association is also looking to collaborate with corporate sponsors to provide better equipment and training facilities across the state.
Conclusion
The UBS Athletics Kids Cup was a testament to the vibrant sporting culture of Telangana’s youth, spotlighting raw talent and disciplined training. With record‑breaking performances in sprints, jumps, throws, and relays, the event not only celebrated the champions but also underscored a collective vision: to develop a thriving sports ecosystem that nurtures talent from the grassroots level. As the new champions celebrate their victories, the event’s impact will ripple across schools, coaching programs, and community initiatives for years to come.
Read the Full Telangana Today Article at:
[ https://telanganatoday.com/ubs-athletics-kids-cup-crowns-young-champions-in-hyderabad ]