Bhagwani Devi Dagar, 94, Wins Finland’s World Masters Athletics Championships in 2022

Bhagwani Devi Dagar, 94, Wins Finland’S World Masters Athletics Championships In 2022
📷 Bhagwani Devi Dagar at World Masters Athletics Championships in Finland. CREDIT: Facebook/Vikas Dagar

At the World Masters Athletics Championships, 94-year-old Bhagwani Devi Dagar demonstrated that age is no barrier when she won the gold medal in the 100m sprint at the World Masters Athletics Championships held in Tampere.

Dagar ran the 100m in 24.74 seconds and also won a bronze medal in shot put at the biennial masters’ athletics championships hosted by World Masters Athletics, formerly known as the World Association of Veteran Athletes.

“India’s 94-year-old #BhagwaniDevi Ji has yet again proved that age is no bar! She won a GOLD medal at the #WorldMastersAthleticsChampionships in Tampere in the 100m sprint event with a timing of 24.74 seconds. She also bagged a BRONZE in Shot put. Truly commendable effort!,” the Department of Sports, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports tweeted.

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World Masters Athletics Championships is an event for athletics (track and field) for athletes aged 35 years and above.

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri branded her as “Inspirational” tweeting, “Inspirational! Even at 94, Bhagwani Devi Ji wins a #Gold in 100-meter sprint & two #Bronze medals for 🇮🇳 at the World Masters Athletics Championships 2022 in Finland.”

Minister Piyush Goyal tweeted, “The World At Her Feet! We are so proud of you Bhagwani Devi Dagar ji, for bagging a🥇& two🥉 for India at the World Masters Athletics Championships in Finland. What an achievement at 94!”

Who is Bhagwani Devi Dagar?

Bhagwani Devi Dagar is from Haryana‘s Khidka village. Although little is known about her family or early life, she is said to come from a family of athletes. In fact, her grandson, Vikas Dagar, is a well-known para-athlete and recipient of the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award. Vikas accompanied her to the international event. Following her victory, he took to Twitter to express his gratitude, emphasising that his grandmother did not have a social media presence.

Bhagwani Devi Dagar’s winning streak started earlier this year, when she won three gold medals at the National Masters Athletics in Chennai. She qualified for the international championships after making a name for herself at the national championship.

Other Than that, she has three gold medals in the 100m category from the Delhi State Athletics Championships.

Dagar was seen breaking into a celebratory jig in a now-viral interview with ANI at the Delhi airport. “I walk twice a day, in the morning and in the evening,” she explained before adding. “I intend to return to other countries and win more medals to make my country proud.”

To follow her journey, go to Vikas Dagar’s official Twitter account, which can be found here.


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