Chitra wins gold at Asian Athletics Championship
In the men's 1500m race, Ajay Kumar Saroj won a silver clocking 3:43.18.
Doha: PU Chitra bagged the gold medal for India in the women's' 1500m race on the last day of Asian Athletics Championships here on Wednesday. Chitra clocked 4:14.56 to grab the top honours in the event and with the win, the Indian also ensured her qualification for the World Championships.
"Got a little nervous towards the end being next to the Bahraini runner (Gashaw Tigest). She beat me to third place in the Asian Games. I had to really push hard in the end," Chitra said after her victory.
Earlier, sprinter Dutee Chand won the first medal of the day for India as she managed a season-best timing of 23.24 seconds to win bronze in the 200m dash.
"I am really very happy. I missed out on a medal in the 100m and the relay. I put too much effort into 100m and was not sure of a medal in 200m. I just did my best and I am happy," Dutee said after her race.
Though Dutee was happy with her efforts, her season-best timing of 23.24 seconds will not help her make it to the World Championships. Her timing was just 0.001 seconds quicker than the fourth-placed runner and her position was confirmed only after it flashed on the giant screen at the Khalifa Stadium.