Dhaka, June 27 (UNB)--Country's first-ever International Open Veteran Athletics Championship 2024, began on Thursday at the Bangabandhu National Stadium (BNS) here with Bangladesh Customs dominating the medal table securing 23 gold, 11 silver and 7 bronze medals on the first day.
 
The Masters Games Association of Bengal, India followed the leader collecting 17 gold, 14 silver and 6 bronze medals while Sri Lankan team is in the 3rd slot with 6 gold, 3 silver and 9 bronze medals.
 
Fifty-eight events were decided on the first day (Thursday) of the three-day meet.
 
Earlier, vice-president of Bangladesh Athletics Federation (BAF) and Joint Commission of Dhaka Metropolitan Police Mohammad Zayedul Alam inaugurated the three-day meet, organised by Bangladesh Veteran Athletes Association, under the supervision of BAF.
 
BAF general secretary Advocate Abdur Rakib Montu,vamong others, was present at the day's inaugural function, presided by BAF EC member Faroqul Islam.
 
Some 353 athletes, 60 coaches and officials from five South Asian countries -- India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives and hosts Bangladesh--are competing in 233 events of the three-day meet.
 
A total of 253 athletes from 36 different teams and organisations are representing Bangladesh in the meet.
 
Veteran men's athletes of 35 to 70 years age groups, divided in eight groups and women's athletes of 35 to 65 years age group, split into seven groups, are competing in the meet, for the first time in Bangladesh.
 
END/UNB/MMK/KW