Pomp and pageantry marked the gala opening of the 19th Federation Cup national senior athletics championships at the Mangala Stadium in Mangaluru, Karnataka, today. The opening ceremony witnessed glamour and colour spread out through an impressive cultural fest displayed by the entertaining performers from all over the country. The ceremony followed the usual march past of the participating athletics teams. As many as 1,040 athletes representing 36 teams are taking part in the four-day meet. The Federation Cup event is dubbed as a selection trial for the Indian aspirants looking to take part in the Asian Athletics Championships at Wuhan (China). The third place performance of the previous Asian championships held at Pune, in 2013, shall be considered for the purpose of selecting the team for Wuhan. The qualification period for Rio Olympics in 2016 will also commence on May 1, the opening day of this year's Federation Cup at Mangaluru.