Sports

India creates history in 22nd Asian Athletics Championship

India creates history in 22nd Asian Athletics Championship

India had their most successful campaign in the 22nd Asian Athletics Championship 2017 in Orissa. India tops the medal tally for the first time in the history of the continental flagship event. China was on the second spot in the table with 20 medals (8 gold, 7 silver, and 5 bronze). India’s medal tally was of 29 medals (12 gold, 5 silver, and 12 bronze) is their best after their tally of 22 medals (10 gold, 5 silver, 7 bronze) in the Jakarta in 1985.

While China sent its second string team in the event and reserved their best for the upcoming World Cup in London next month.

India’s Swapna Barman was one of the gold medalists for India as she collected a total of 5942 points from the seven events. She collapsed just after crossing the 800m race and was taken for immediate medical attention. India’s Purnima Hembram was also the bronze medalist with 5798 points.

Following that event, Lakshmanan Govindan turned out to be the most successful Indian as he grabbed 2 gold medals in the championship by winning a gold medal in the 5000m race on the opening day and men’s 10,000m event in 29 minutes and 55.87 seconds on the last day.

Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra clinched a gold with a throw of 85.23m and Devinder Singh Kang, was third by throwing about 83.29m. India’s Jinson Johnson won bronze in 1 minute 50.07 seconds.

India also won gold in the men’s and women’s 4x400m relay races. Indian men’s team, Kunhu Muhammad, Muhammad Anas, Rajiv Arokia and Amoj Jacob clocked 3 minute 2.92 seconds to win the relay race, while the women’s quarter of Nirmala Sheoran, M Povamma, Jisna Mathew and Debashree Mazumdarclocked 3:31.34 to ran away winners.

About the author

Shubham Jain