Babu Gaonkar qualifies for world championships

Panaji: Goa’s Babu Gaonkar lived up to his top billing as he clocked 13.46 mins to emerge champion at the 9th MPFI Laser Run National Championships in Bihar and punch his ticket to the International Modern Pentathlon Union (UIPM) 2025 Biathle, Triathle, and Laser Run World Championships in South Africa.The coastal town of Mossel Bay will host the championships from Dec 9 to 14, marking a major milestone for both the country and the African continent. The championships will draw top athletes from around the world who will compete in three fast-paced, spectator-friendly disciplines.Gaonkar, who won Goa’s first gold medal when the state hosted the National Games in 2023, will be among the top participants.Modern pentathlon, governed globally by the Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne (UIPM) since 1948, combines five disciplines: swimming, fencing, obstacle course racing (replacing show jumping), and the laser run.