Nipam Shines with Bronze in U20 Asian Athletics Championships Debut

Nipam's Impressive Start at the Championships

New Delhi [India], May 28: Sprinter Nipam made a remarkable entrance into the U20 Asian Athletics Championships, securing a bronze medal in the 100m event on the first day of competition held in Hong Kong.

The 18-year-old, who holds the national record for the U20 women's 100m, initially struggled at the start but quickly regained her momentum, finishing with a time of 11.62 seconds to clinch the bronze.

Nipam, hailing from Uttar Pradesh, previously set a personal best and national U20 record of 11.53 seconds during a domestic event in April, as reported.

"I’m thrilled to have earned a bronze medal for my team," expressed a delighted Nipam.

In addition to her individual success, Nipam is part of the national 4x100m relay team and is optimistic about securing another medal during the four-day event.

Qatar's Dana Noor Salem, just 16 years old, took home the gold with a time of 11.47 seconds, while China's Xinxuan Chen, also 16, earned the silver medal with a time of 11.54 seconds.

In the men's 3,000m race, India's Vikas Kumar narrowly missed a podium finish, placing fourth with a personal best of 8:24.88. Meanwhile, in the women's 400m heats, Neeru Pathak emerged victorious in her heat, clocking 54.42 seconds, with Tahura Khatun following closely in second place at 55.06 seconds. Both athletes have advanced to the finals.

Unfortunately, Mohammed Ashfaq from Kerala did not have a successful outing, finishing fifth in the men's 400m semifinals with a time of 47.06 seconds, which did not qualify him for the final.

In the men's hammer throw, Ashuvendra Pratap Singh and Aman finished seventh and eighth, respectively, with throws of 64.34m and 63.40m.

India's prospects in the decathlon look promising, with Rahul Jakhar showcasing strong performances on Day One of the challenging ten-event competition. He clocked 10.70 seconds in the 100m, earning 929 points, and leaped 6.77m in the long jump for 760 points. His shot put throw of 13.04m garnered him 670 points, and he added 740 points with a high jump of 1.93m. In the final event of the day, the 400m, he finished with a time of 50.25 seconds, earning 803 points.

The 22nd Asian U20 Athletics Championships will wrap up on May 31.