ITAHARI, Dec 26: Chandrakala Lamgade of Nepal Police Club on Sunday set her second national record in athletics under the ongoing Seventh National Games. Chandrakala set fresh record in women’s javelin throw on Sunday at Itahari Stadium, a day after achieving the similar feat in shot put.
On Sunday, Chandrakala hurled 43.94 m to better her own national record of 43.90 m set during 12th South Asian Games in February. Earlier, on Saturday, Chandrakala had set national record in shot put with a hurl of 11.56 m eclipsing her own previous mark of 11.4 m.
Chandrakala’s sight was only on winning gold rather than setting new national records after athletics began on Saturday due to poor condition of pitch of Itahari ground. “I have never expected national record after seeing the pitch condition there. However, the result gave an unexpected happiness for me. After being enrolled to Police, I have got opportunity to get trained regularly,” she said. “The technical training of the department has helped me come this far. I am able to win gold medal for the department and I have achieved my target. National record has been a bonus to me. The Games will be memorable one,” she said.
In javelin throw, Laxmi Tharu of Tribhvuan Army Club (39.99 m) and Sima Kumari Tharu (39.27 m) of Armed Police Force (APF) secured silver and bronze finishing behind the golden girl Lamgade.
Meanwhile, Army, who had claimed eight gold medals on Saturday, continued its dominance in the track and field on day two as well. Army won five gold medals out of 10 on Sunday. APF had share in three gold medals followed by two golds of Police.
Chandrakala improves her own national record
Men’s javelin throw saw Ram Bahadur Kumal of Army secure gold with a throw of 56.88 m. Narendra Jung Shahi (53.40 m) of Nepal Police and Prem Prakash Khadka (51.67 m) of APF secured second and third place finishes.
Dilli Khatri of Army secured first position in men’s long jump. He leaped 6.19 m to finish ahead of Police duos Gopal Chaudhary (6.59 m) and Chandra Dev Joshi (6.38 m). In the women’s section, Keshari Chaudhary secured top finish with a leap of 5.05 m while Krishna Chaudhary satisfied with silver with distance of 4.94 m. Shila Chaudhary satisfied with bronze with a jump of 4.84 m.
In the men’s 110 m hurdles, Bishes Mahato of Army clinched gold clocking 15.85 second. Ram Prasad Tharu (16.54 second) and Chandra Dev Joshi (17.43 second) of Police walked away with silver and bronze medals respectively.
Sabita Chaudhary of APF secured top finish in women 110 m hurdles. Sabita clocked 16.95 second to complete the distance. Pramila Tharu of Central Region (17 second) and Keshari Chaudhary of Police (17.10 second) finished in second and third positions.
Gopi Chandra Parki shines in 5000 m
Gopi Chandra Parki of APF dethroned Olympian runner Hari Rimal in men’s 5,000 m run for gold on Sunday at Itahari Stadium. Hari, yet to compete in 10,000 m and the winner of 1,500 gold on Saturday, was favorite to win gold in the middle distance race as well. Thus all eyes were on Hari as the 5000 m race began on Sunday. But Gopi came up with improved performance and secured top finish beyond the expectations of many and even the gold medalists himself was in disbelief about his latest feat.
Gopi clocked 15 minute 26.10 second to finish the distance while Hari was behind him by half second. The latter finished the race in 15 minute 26.60 second. Bhumi Raj Rai of Police secured bronze with timing of 15 minute 30.40 second.
“It was my first participation in the National Games and Hari has defeated me on numerous occasions in the past. It gives me immense pleasure to win gold finish ahead of him. I think this is the outcome of my hard works for four years,” he said. “I am competing in 10,000 m tomorrow (Monday) and I will performance with high level of confidence,” he said.
In women’s 5000 m race, Kanchhi Maya Koju of APF secured gold clocking 18 minute 13.40 second. She stood ahead of Sanumaya Karki of Army who clocked 18 minute 33.35 second. Bishwo Rupa Budha of Army settled for bronze clocking 18 minute 37.4 second.
