In a remarkable feat, Man Singh has become the second Indian man to clinch a gold medal at the Asian Marathon Championships. His outstanding performance has marked a significant achievement for Indian athletics.
Man Singh, aged 34, achieved this feat by winning the marathon with a personal best time. His impressive clocking at two hours, fourteen minutes, and nineteen seconds (2:14:19) secured the top spot in the competition. This triumph is a noteworthy addition to his journey as a marathon runner.
Previous Best and Competition:
Man Singh’s earlier best time was recorded at 2:16:58 during the Mumbai Marathon last year, where he finished 11th. However, this time, he outshone his previous performance, claiming the gold.
China’s Huang Yongzheng secured the silver with a time of 2:15:24, while Kyrgyzstan’s Tiapkin Ilya claimed the third spot with a time of 2:18:18.
Other Indian Contenders:
Another Indian participant, AP Belliappa, showed commendable performance by finishing sixth with a time of 2:20:20. The Indian contingent displayed prowess on the international stage, showcasing the country’s growing influence in marathon running.
Women’s Marathon in Hong Kong:
In the women’s marathon race held in Hong Kong, Ashvini Madan Jadhav secured the eighth position with a time of 2:56:42. Jyoti Gawate finished at the 11th position, recording a time of 3:06:20. Although they missed the podium, their participation signifies India’s representation in both men’s and women’s categories.
Who is the first Indian winner?
It’s worth noting that Gopi Thonakal was the first Indian man to win the Asian Marathon Championships title in 2017. He achieved this milestone by clocking 2:15:48 in Dongguan, China. Man Singh’s recent triumph continues to bolster India’s presence in the competitive arena of Asian marathon running.
Man Singh’s remarkable time on 21st January (sunday) not only secured his gold medal but also positioned him below the Paris Olympics qualifying mark of 2:08:10. This achievement adds another layer of significance to his win, opening possibilities for future international competitions.
Positive Takeaway
Man Singh’s victory at the Asian Marathon Championships is a moment of pride for Indian sports enthusiasts. His dedication, coupled with an outstanding performance, highlights the growing prowess of Indian athletes on the global stage.
As Man Singh basks in the glory of his gold medal, it becomes a source of inspiration for aspiring marathon runners across the country.