Two Dubai pupils had plenty of reasons to celebrate over the school holidays after beating strong competition to clinch medals in a top Indian athletics event.
While many of the UAE children were enjoying their festive break, Kyle Dutton, 15, and Femin Francis, 17, were competing in the CBSE National Athletics Meet in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, central India.
The five-day championship from December 26 to 30 was certainly tough with more than 1,500 participants from the UAE, India,
But The Millennium School students were not fazed by the occasion with Dutton taking bronze in the long jump with an impressive 6.30 metres in the Under-16 category. More success followed as Francis sealed silver in shot put with 14.67 metres in the Under-19 event.
Francis is no stranger to enjoying success in this competition and he was thrilled to come home with a medal.
“Along with my parents and coach, I am very proud of having won the silver medal in the CBSE National Athletics competition in India,” he said.
“This is the second time I have won the silver medal at the national level and I feel very happy that I was able to win because there was intense competition from students right across the region and in India.”
Francis paid tribute to his coach Selvarani Afsal, who described the athlete’s display as “exceptional”.
“The CBSE Nationals is definitely very competitive and students including myself have had to train very hard,” added Francis.
“While I knew it would be very tough, I was able to handle the stress without letting it affect me during my performances.
“My coach discovered my talent when I was just eight years old and she has continued to motivate me to perform well.
“Also, the school conducting morning coaching before classes has been of great help for this achievement.” It’s a feat that
Francis ranks at the top of his sporting honours.
“With this being my second silver at the CBSE Nationals, it is definitely one of my best personal achievements, especially throwing 14.67 metres,” he said.
Francis has no plans to stop and hopes he can replicate his success on the biggest stage.
“I want to continue pursuing sport and keep achieving more,” vowed Francis.
“Winning at the Olympic Games would of course be the ultimate.”
The efforts of Francis and Dutton did not go unnoticed at the school, with principal Michael Guzder leading the tributes.
“Congratulations to both Femin and Kyle who have made their families proud and brought laurels to the school and GEMS,” he said.
“It is good to see the hard work and sincere efforts of our students and coaches rewarded and recognised on the sporting stage.”
It capped a strong end to the year for The Millennium School, who are making it a habit of enjoying success on the international stage.
In November, 11-year-old Aakash Deep Singh won gold in 50m backstroke, clocking 35.11 seconds to break the meet record in the CBSE National Swimming Championship in Meerut, India.
He also won silver in the 100m freestyle race in the same event.
