The Comoros island nation recently played host to a 15km semi-marathon, dubbed "Viskit Kharat Run, en route vers 2027", which was organized by the Indian consulate in collaboration with the Comorian Islands Games Committee (Coji). The event, which took place on a Sunday, saw participation from both Comorian and foreign runners. The semi-marathon route spanned from Mitsudje ya Hambuu to the Independence Square in Moroni, the capital city.
The event was graced by several high-profile attendees, including the governor of Ngazidja, who is also the president of the Comorian Athletics Federation, the mayor of Moroni, the president of Coji, the minister in charge of Sports, and several Indian officials. Notably, several personalities, including the governor of Ngazidja, the honorary consul of India to Comoros, Shemir Kamoula, and the chargé d'affaires of the Indian embassy to Comoros, Mohit Kumar, completed the 15km course.
In the women's category, 14-year-old Naslati Matelot from Mirontsi, Itsandraya region, emerged victorious, completing the course in 1 hour and 20 minutes. She was followed by Yasma from Mitsamihuli Mdjini, who finished in 1 hour and 30 minutes, and French national Bérengère Bardin, who completed the course in 1 hour and 34 minutes.
The men's category saw Miftahou Mohamed take the top spot, finishing the course in 42 minutes. The event concluded with a ceremony at the Independence Square, where runners were welcomed with applause from officials and a large gathering of spectators.
During the ceremony, the honorary consul of India to Comoros, Shemir Kamoula, expressed gratitude to the president of the Comorian Athletics Federation for participating in the event and acknowledged the support he received during his preparation. He also presented a medal of honor to the federation president, Ibrahim Mze Soulé.
The chargé d'affaires of the Indian embassy, Mohit Kumar, praised the event's display of youth participation and fraternity, highlighting the values of discipline, determination, and collective effort that sports embody. He also emphasized the role of youth, education, skills, innovation, and entrepreneurship in national development.
The top three finishers in each category received their awards following the ceremony. The winners, Naslati Matelot and Miftahou Mohamed, expressed their delight with their performances and suggested that more events like this would help athletes prepare better for upcoming competitions, including the 2027 Indian Ocean Island Games.
Key points
- The semi-marathon promoted youth participation and fraternity.
- Naslati Matelot and Miftahou Mohamed emerged as the top winners in their respective categories.
- The event highlighted the importance of sports in national development and the role of youth in shaping the future.
