Bhubaneswar: Spectators got their money’s worth on the opening day of the 22nd Asian Athletics Championships at Kalinga Stadium here as local Odia athletes Dutee Chand and Amiya Mallick showed impressive performance and entered into final rounds in the mega event while the Indian contingent opened up its medal tally.
National record holder Dutee stormed into the semis of women’s 100 m event with a timing of 11.40 sec, topping in her heats, while rising sprinting sensation Amiya Mallick recorded 10.48 sec in his heat and made into the final rounds.
"I have qualified for the final rounds thanks to the blessings of our people of Odisha. I have set target of 11.20 sec so that I can qualify for the world championships in London. I hope with the blessings of God I will get good results for all that hard work I have put into my training," Dutee told mediapersons after her performance.
However the highlight of the opening day of the mega event was India's two gold medals which came from men's 5000m and women's shotput. While G. Lakshmanan claimed one of the gold medal in 5000m event Manpreet Kaur won the other in women's shotput . Similarly, in women's 5000 m event Sanjeevani Yadav won a bronze medal.
Also Read: Asian Athletics Meet: India begins medal hunt on a positive note
Earlier, star discus thrower Vikas Gowda had opened up India's medal tally in the championships after he landed an attempt of 60.81 metre and bagged a bronze medal.
India also did not have to wait long for its subsequent medals today as Nayana James bagged a bronze while V.Nina won the silver medal in women's long jump event.
Click to know Asian Athletics Championships 2nd day event updates.