{image-cross country_30012008.jpg news.oneindia.in}Panaji, Jan 30: As many as 1,500 athletes from all over India are expected to participate in the 42nd Cross Country Championship to be held in south Goa on February 16.

Speaking to mediapersons here today, MP and Goa Athletic Association (GAA) President Francisco Sardinha said the Athletic Federation of India has allotted this event to Goa for the second time after 2002. Mr Sardhina said that for the smooth conduct of the event, various organising committees have been formed under the Patron in-Chief, Goa Chief Minister Digamber Kamat and Sports Minister Manohar Azgaokar.

''In all, five events will be held in different categories for both men and women,'' he said.

Following are the categories: Men: Open race of 12 kms, open race of 4 kms, 8-km race for juniors in the age group of 18-20, 6-km race for under-18 boys, and a 3-km race for under-16 boys.

Women: Open race of 8 kms, open race of 4 kms, 6-km race for girls between 18 to 20 years, 4-km race for under-18 girls, and a 3-km race for under-16 girls.

UNI