Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, August 12 2009:
State athlete Akoijam Shyamkesho has won gold in the Tenjing Hillary's Everest International Marathon, 2009 which is the world's highest marathon and made a record.
The marathon was held on May 29 last.
It was organised by the government of Nepal.
It started as a annual calendar programme since 2003.Shyamkesho completed the distance in 5 hours, 37 minutes and 25 seconds.
Appreciating his performance and grand success, he was felicitated with honour in a simple programme held at YASTA ground, Thoubal.
MLA, K Meghachandra graced the function as chief guest.
MLA M Okendro and Commandant, 34th batallion, Assam Rifles, Colonel SS Kartikeya also participated the felicitation programme as guests of honours.
MLA, O Landhoni was the president of the function.
More than 120 participants from different country of the world took part in the marathon this year.
Initialy only two international participants one from South Korea and another Zimbabwe took part in the first edition in the year 2003.Today, it has become one of the most sought after and challenging sports event in the world.
Adventure Sports Tourism Society, Nepal is organising this tournament since 2003 as a tribute to the late Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and late Sir Edmund Hillary, the first ones to reach the summit of Mount Everest on May 29, 1953 .
Altogether 52 participants from India, Austria, Canada, Germany, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Romania, Scotland, South Africa, England and USA participated this year's marathon.
India have 14 participants in the marathon.
Other runners were from Nepal itself.
Shyamkesho defeated more than 120 runners from different countries including his 13 compatriots and won the coveted title by completing the distance in just 5 hours, 37 minutes and 25 seconds' record time.
Akoijam Shyamkesho sone of Akoijam Jugin who is a resident of Thoubal Wangmataba is serving in the Signal Regiment of the Indian Army as a havildar and currently posted at the Army Sports Institute (ASI), Pune, Maharashtra.
He started his career as an athlete in the year 1998.His coaches were Ningom-bam Ibomcha and Lukram Madhumani both NIS Athletic Coach and K Michael, SAI Athletic Coach.He had won many gold, silver, bronze and many other positions in various state and national level tournament.