Vadodara: Mansi Shelar, a promising sprinter from the city, has been honoured with the prestigious Sardar Patel Junior Award for Outstanding Sportsperson of the Year in athletics for 2018-19. She was felicitated by deputy chief minister Harsh Sanghavi at an event on Wednesday.A specialist in the 100-metre and 200-metre, Shelar has built an impressive record over the past decade. She has won 53 medals across national, state and district-level competitions, including four national, 25 state and 24 district medals. Her achievements include participation in Khelo India, university nationals and Khel Mahakumbh events.“It is a proud moment for me. The award has given me the motivation to chase my dream of representing India in international competitions and the next Commonwealth Games. The award will also inspire many aspiring youngsters to pursue sports”, Shelar said.Shelar has trained under international athlete D K Malaviya, while sports administrator Laxman Karanjgaonkar has supported her throughout her decade-long sporting journey. She is currently pursuing higher studies at Sardar Patel University, balancing her academics with her passion for athletics.
