Dhital, an 11th grader at Lincoln School, secured three golds and a silver in the open category and two golds in the 15-17 years age group to add to her overnight medal tally of six golds and one silver.[break]
Dhital had also set a national record on Monday in 50 meter butterfly surpassing the 11-year-old record set by Nayana Shakya. She had also set a new national record in 100 m freestyle recently at the FINA World Championship.
On Tuesday, Dhital won gold medals in 200 meter individual medley, 50 meter backstroke, and 50 meter freestyle in the open category and settled for bronze in 100 meter breaststroke. She also won gold in 50 meter breaststroke and backstroke in the 15-17 years age group.
"It really feels good to win so many medals," said the 16-year-old Dhital, who won 11 out of the 13 events she participated in. "I want to set more new records and take swimming to another level," added Dhital, who gives credit to her parents and coach Yubaraj Sunuwar for her achievements.
In 200 meter open individual medley, Dhital clocked 3 minutes 16.35 seconds, finishing ahead of Oshin Bharati and Sofia Shah. Dhital completed the 50 meter backstroke open in 41.85 seconds ahead of Shiela Devi Gurung and Jitzwelly Maharjan. Likewise, in the 50 meter freestyle open Dhital clocked 33.28 seconds for her 11th gold. Sofia Shah and Anjalee Syangbo finished second and third respectively.
However, in 100 m breaststroke open Dhital again finished behind Sonira Bista, who had earlier secured first position in 50 meter breaststroke on Monday finishing ahead of Dhital. Bista covered the 100 m distance in 1 minute 40.35 seconds and Dhital in 1 minute 43.72 seconds.
"I need to learn more for better results in breaststroke," said Dhital, adding, "I was focused more on freestyle." Dhital is also a nominee for the Pulsar Popular Player of the Year award to be held on September 11.
Meanwhile, Shailesh Rana claimed the top position in men´s open category with a total five gold and two bronze medals. Rana added three gold medals and a bronze to his tally on Tuesday. He took pole position in 200 meter individual medley, 100 meter butterfly and 100 meter breaststroke, but finished third in 50 meter freestyle.
"I could not achieve even my best timing as I did not have enough training. I will be better prepared for the next event," Rana said.
In 200 meter individual medley, Rana clocked 2 minutes 36.81 seconds, leaving behind Sirish Gurung and Banin S Shrestha, while in 100 meter butterfly, Rana timed 1 minute 11.78 seconds. Rana clocked 1 minute 16.96 seconds in 100 meter breaststroke for top position, while Shrestha and Prabesh Adhikari claimed second and third positions. In 50 meter freestyle, Rana finished third behind Prasiddha Shah and Dilip Thapa Magar. Shah clocked 27 seconds while Thapa Magar and Rana covered the distance in 28.00 and 28.07 seconds respectively.
In men´s 50 m backstroke open, Pushpa Raj Shahi, Prasiddha Shah and Dilip Thapa Magar claimed the top three spots respectively. Shahi completed the distance in 34.03 seconds. Shahi had also won gold in 100 meter of the same event.
Little Angels´ tops age group
Under the age group, Little Angels´ secured first position with 67 points while Lincoln and Golden Gate finished second and third respectively. Despite both Lincoln and Golden Gate securing 40 points apiece, Lincoln secured second position on the basis on number of gold medals. Lincoln had won seven golds and Golden Gate four.
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