Bantwal: Retired teacher and athlete Gladys Pais from Bantwal has brought international recognition to the region by winning two medals for India at the World Masters Athletics Championships 2026 in Daegu, South Korea. Pais secured a silver medal in the women’s triple jump and a bronze medal in the 200-metre hurdles in the 70–75 age category.

Her performance at the international athletics championship has drawn appreciation from her hometown and highlighted the achievements possible in masters sport, where athletes continue competing at the international level well beyond conventional competitive ages.

Silver in triple jump

Pais’s first major achievement at the championship came in the women’s triple jump, where she won the silver medal.

According to available championship-related results, Pais recorded a distance of 6.85 metres in the event. The performance placed her among the leading competitors in her age category at the World Masters Athletics Championships.

The triple jump requires athletes to combine speed, balance and explosive strength across three distinct phases before landing in the sandpit. Performing at an international championship in this discipline requires considerable preparation, particularly in the masters category.

Pais’s silver-medal performance therefore represents a significant achievement for the athlete as well as for Bantwal and Karnataka.

Bronze in 200-metre hurdles

Pais added a second medal to her tally in the 200-metre hurdles, winning bronze in the same age category.

She recorded a time of 46.19 seconds, according to championship-related results shared following the event.

The 200-metre hurdles combines sprinting with repeated hurdle clearance, making it a technically demanding event. Pais’s ability to compete successfully in both the triple jump and hurdles demonstrates her versatility as a masters athlete.

Her double-medal performance also helped put the spotlight on Indian participation at the international masters athletics competition.

Competing for India in the 70–75 category

Pais represented India in the women’s 70–75 age group at the championship, which was held in Daegu, South Korea, from August 22 to September 3, 2026, according to championship results information.

The World Masters Athletics Championships bring together veteran athletes from different countries and age categories. Athletes compete according to age groups, allowing competitors to continue participating in international athletics while being assessed against peers in comparable age brackets.

Pais’s participation at the event reflects the growing visibility of masters athletics, where experienced athletes continue to train and compete in track-and-field disciplines.

Retired teacher continues sporting journey

Pais’s achievement is particularly noteworthy because she is a retired teacher. Her success demonstrates that retirement from a professional career does not necessarily mark the end of an active sporting journey.

Instead, Pais has continued to compete in athletics and represent India on an international platform.

Her achievement has been welcomed by people in Bantwal and those associated with her community. Local organisations and community members have shared congratulatory messages following her performance at Daegu.

Her journey is also likely to inspire other senior citizens and former professionals to remain active and pursue sporting interests at an advanced age.

A message of perseverance and fitness

Masters athletics provides an opportunity for experienced athletes to remain involved in competitive sport while encouraging active ageing and physical fitness.

Pais’s performance across two demanding disciplines highlights the importance of sustained training and dedication. Competing against athletes from different countries requires preparation and commitment, regardless of age.

Her medals also serve as a reminder that sporting achievement can continue at different stages of life. Rather than being limited to young athletes, competitive athletics offers opportunities for older participants to challenge themselves and compete at national and international levels.

For Bantwal, Pais’s performance has added another international sporting achievement to the region’s record.

Bantwal celebrates international achievement

Pais’s success has brought pride to Bantwal, where her achievement has received appreciation from local residents and community members.

Winning two medals at a global masters athletics championship is a significant accomplishment, particularly as she competed in more than one discipline. Her silver medal in the triple jump and bronze in the 200-metre hurdles have given her a place among the Indian athletes who stood out at the Daegu championship.

The achievement also highlights the contribution of masters athletes to Indian sport. Their participation provides an example of how athletic careers and fitness journeys can continue beyond the traditional competitive years.

With her performance in Daegu, Gladys Pais has not only added two international medals to her sporting record but has also brought recognition to Bantwal and Karnataka on the global masters athletics stage.

Her achievement stands as an example of determination, discipline and the pursuit of sporting excellence at any age.