Jamshedpur, Sept. 9: Shankar Kumar and Gurbari Behera today stayed ahead of other participants in road races for men and women, respectively, on the opening day of the police-public games.

The sporting events are being organised by the police-public co-ordination com- mittee. Teams of police- men would compete against squads comprising members of the public.

The event is aimed at bridging the gap between the police and the public.

Apart from Tata Steel Rural Development Society’s Kumar and Tata Steel Training Centre’s Behera, the day also saw Jamshedpur’s Agrico Health Awareness Club (AHAC) and Adivasi Ho Samaj (AHS) excelling in the exhibition football matches at Gopal Maidan.

Kumar maintained his lead throughout the 12km race, which deputy superintendent of police Madhusudan Bari had flagged off by from Golmuri Police Lines this morning.

While Kumar clocked 40 minutes to win the race, Moram Singh of Chaibasa crossed the finishing line in 45 minutes. Third place was taken by East Singhbhum’s Rahul Kumar, who finished the race in 53 minutes.

In the women’s race, Gumla’s Bundwani Kumari and Sudha Kumari, in that order, crossed the finishing line after Behera.

While the men contestants ran through Sakchi, Bistupur, Jugsalai, Burmamines railway overbridge and Cable Town, the women touched Sakchi and Bistupur.

Meanwhile, the deputy development commissioner, Sitaram Bari, inaugurated the football tournament, which was also organised as part of the championship.

AHAC had no difficulty in defeating Milan Club of Khunti in the soccer tie.

In the second match, AHS defeated Devawtar Club from Tamar 4-2.

The disciplines that would be organised at the event include football (men and women), hockey (men and women), cricket, volleyball, basketball, badminton (singles and doubles), kabaddi and marathon.

The matches would be held at JRD Tata Sports Complex, Golmuri Police Lines, Armoury grounds and Gopal Maidan. Cash prizes would be given to winners.