Dr. Shobha M E, Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematics at Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), MAHE Manipal, has created history by becoming the first Indian woman to represent India and win medals at the prestigious Aceh International Orienteering (AIO) Championship 2024. The event took place on Sabang Island, Indonesia, from 6th to 8th September 2024, and Dr. Shobha’s achievements have set a milestone for India in this internationally acclaimed sport.
The Aceh International Orienteering Championship saw participation from over 160 athletes representing 10 countries. Dr. Shobha was the only female participant from India, standing alongside a team of five male athletes. Competing against the world’s best, she secured a gold medal in the Middle Category, covering an 8-9 km route with 11 control points that took her through diverse terrains, including villages, forests, and beaches of Sabang Island. She also claimed the silver medal in the Sprint Category, which covered 4-5 km with 14 control points across significant urban landmarks, monuments, and buildings in Sabang’s city center. She narrowly missed the gold by just 40 seconds in the sprint event, a testament to her incredible performance and resilience.
Dr. Shobha’s accomplishment marks a breakthrough for Indian orienteering in the international arena, as she became the first Indian woman to earn this distinction in the sport’s 100-year history. Orienteering, a sport that tests both navigational skills and physical endurance, is widely popular in Europe, Oceania, and North America. Participants use a map and compass to navigate through unfamiliar terrains at high speed, searching for control points while demonstrating both strategic thinking and athletic ability. The sport is also recognized in the World Games and features its own World Championship.
Dr. Anil Rana, Director of MIT, also extended his congratulations, stating, “Dr. Shobha’s incredible achievement highlights the commitment to excellence that we at MIT uphold. Her success at the Aceh International Orienteering Championship underscores not only her individual talent but also the global reach of the opportunities and support MIT provides. We are proud to have her as part of our community and look forward to seeing her continue to shine on the world stage.”
Dr. M D Venkatesh, Vice-Chancellor of MAHE, commended Dr. Shobha’s hard work and determination, remarking, “This is a historic achievement for India and MAHE. Her outstanding performance in Indonesia exemplifies her perseverance and passion for orienteering. Her success will encourage more participation in this challenging and rewarding sport, and we wish her continued success in all her future endeavors.”
Dr. HS Ballal, Pro-Chancellor of MAHE, congratulated Dr. Shobha on her remarkable achievement, stating, “Her victory is a moment of immense pride for the country and MAHE. She has demonstrated exceptional dedication and skill to win medals on an international platform, and her success will surely inspire future generations to embrace orienteering. We are incredibly proud of her accomplishment.”
The Aceh International Orienteering 2024 Championship not only celebrated Dr. Shobha’s historic triumph but also recognized Rahul Verma of Bangalore, who secured a silver medal in the male Sprint category. This event has brought significant recognition to Indian orienteering and its athletes, positioning India prominently in the international orienteering community. Dr. Shobha’s achievement is a testament to her talent, perseverance, and will undoubtedly inspire a new wave of orienteers in the years to com
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