National
IWF lifts ban on Indian weightlifter Sanjita
The International Weightlifting Federation on Wednesday lifted the ban on India’s Sanjita Khumukcham on Wednesday.
The ban was provisionally imposed last year on suspicion that she used banned drugs. Because of the ban, Sanjita could not take part in some international competitions.
She said she received the news of the ban being lifted early on Wednesday.
“I have not had training for the last 10 months. Although I will practise, it will be rather difficult,” she said.
National
Cheers and Cheers: Barzilla’s Joyful Ode to Inclusivity and Celebration
The RG Marathon Championship Run 2023 in Goa was a testament to inclusivity. Initially resistant to including persons with disabilities, it eventually featured wheelchair and standing categories, thanks to advocates’ efforts. Participants showed exceptional determination, emphasizing unity in diversity. Despite challenging weather, they demonstrated the power of community support, highlighting the need for accessibility and inclusion in all state-level events in Goa.
Following the marathon, a gathering of differently-abled individuals, predominantly wheelchair users, convened for a celebratory lunch at Barzilla. The event, orchestrated by Mr. Shariq Khan and Mr. Zain Aftab, proprietors of Barzilla, honored the birthday of Sadaf Fatima, who also uses a wheelchair and is Mr. Shariq Khan’s wife.
The lunch featured esteemed guests including the Tourism Minister of Goa, MLA Rohan Khaunte of Porvorim, Social Welfare Minister Subhash Phal Desai, and the State Commissioner for Persons with Disability in Goa, Guruprasad Pawaskar. The event was impeccably hosted by Ms. Falak Fatima and Mr. Adarsh Parashar, offering activities such as Karaoke and Billiards. The youth of Goa exhibited their unwavering support for the community, making the party an unequivocal success.