3 veteran athletes from Navsari leave for masters’ meet in France

SURAT: Two more athletes from Navsari will be departing for Leon, France along with 81-year-old Jivan Patel of Matwad in the district to participate in the Senior Masters World Athletic Championship being held there from August 2 to 16.
Kamlesh Patel, 41, and Fardun Mirza, 50, both are physical training teachers. Patel will participate in high jump and pole vault in his age group and Mirza in 100-metre hurdles.The local Member of Parliament and contribution from friends have made this trip possible for the two.
Kamlesh Patel said, “I am the best athlete in Gujarat in my age group in long jump, high jump and triple jump. I had an opportunity to participate in the championships that were held in China and Japan in 2012-13 and 2013-14 but could not because of lack of funds. However, this time some friends, our MP and others have supported me financially.”
He is PT teacher in Balwada High School in Navsari. Kamlesh Patel lives with his mother, sister, wife Tarulata and three-year-old son Jeet. His best is 1.60 metre in high jump and 2.5 metre with pole vault.
Fardun Mirza is employed in DK Tata High School in Navsari. He says, “You will be a hit , if only you are fit.”
Mirza is a winner of a number of medals in his young age in 100-metre hurdle. He lives with his wife, a son and a daughter. He has borrowed money from his three brothers and friends to make this trip to France.
“My dream to win a medal for the country has created this urge in me to participate in Leon championship,” Mirza said.
The three senior athletes were felicitated by the district administration of Navsari on Friday and given a warm send off.