Vijayawada Division, South Central Railway Celebrates National Sports Day; Felicitates Medal-Winning Athletes

 

South Central Railway Sports Association (SCRSA), Vijayawada Division, to commemorate the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand, celebrated National Sports Day at the Railway Stadium, Vijayawada, with great enthusiasm on 29th August 2025. The event highlighted the Division’s remarkable sports achievements in 2024–25 and honoured athletes who have brought laurels at national-level competitions.

The celebrations began with a Sports Day Run from the DRM Office Compound to the Railway Stadium, followed by a formal function attended by Chief Guest Shri P.E. Edwin, Vice-President SCRSA cum ADRM (Infrastructure) Vijayawada Division who was warmly welcomed with pot plants symbolising both sportsmanship and sustainability.

Over the past year, Vijayawada Division’s athletes have carved their names in national sporting circles, particularly in weightlifting and archery.

• Ms. M. Lekha Malya of Electrical Department, lifted her way to glory with a Gold Medal at the All India Inter Railway Weightlifting Championship (August 2024) and followed it up with Bronze Medals at the Senior National Championship (October 2024) and the National Games (February 2025) in the 71 kg category.
• Shri S. Thirumalai Kumar of Commercial Department, an inspiring para-athlete, represented Vijayawada Division securing 11^th Rank at the World Ranking Archery Tournament and the Paralympic Games Selection Trials, and the 6th Para National Archery Championship (January 2025), securing international exposure and recognition for his efforts. Also at the 14^th All India Railway Archery Championship (Open) in Chittaranjan, he got Gold in the Compound Team event (October 2024).
• Shri Y. Charan Reddy of Personnel Department stood tall at the 14^th All India Railway Archery Championship (Open) in Chittaranjan, clinching Gold in the Compound Team event (October 2024).
• Shri G. Baji Nagul Meera of Electrical Department showcased consistency and skill at the same championship, adding another Gold Medal to the Division’s tally in the Compound Team event.
• Shri Ganga Mohan, of Operating Department joined his teammates in striking Gold at Chittaranjan, completing a clean sweep in the Compound Team category for Vijayawada Division.

Felicitating the medal winners, Sri P.E. Edwin, Vice-President SCRSA cum ADRM (Infra), praised their achievements, saying, “Our athletes are not just sportspeople; they are ambassadors of resilience, discipline, excellence and teamwork—values that are equally essential in the railways. Their medals are not only personal victories but a matter of pride for the entire Vijayawada Division. On this National Sports Day, their journey inspires us to believe that with dedication and teamwork, we can achieve greatness both on and off the field. I am immensely proud of our athletes who have not only excelled in their respective sports but also brought glory to Vijayawada Division.”

The celebration concluded with the felicitation ceremony, where applause rang loud for the Division’s champions, before players dispersed, carrying with them renewed motivation for the seasons ahead.

SCR BZA PR No. 92
Date: 29th August 2025