Fed Cup: Dharun betters own 400m hurdles national record

Karam Prakash

Tribune News Service

Patiala, March 16

Dharun Ayyasamy of Tamil Nadu broke his own national record in the 400m hurdles on the second day of the 23rd Federation Cup National Athletic Championship at National Institute of Sports here.

It was a replay of the last year’s Federation Cup final for the 22-year-old Ayyasamy — like last year, he was unwell before the event this time, yet gave it his best shot. He had recorded 48.96s seconds last year, this time he brought down the record to 48.80s. Ayyasamy, winner of a silver at last year’s Asian Games, also qualified for the Asian Championship to be held in Doha on April 21-24, and the World Championship, scheduled for the same venue in September.  

“I was not well this time also,” Ayyasamy told The Tribune after the final. “In fact, for the last 10 days, I was not feeling 100 percent well. And I had already informed the coach. But I did well and qualified for the World Championship.”

Talking about breaking the national record two years in a row at the same venue, he said: “I myself am surprised. I did push myself just to qualify for the Asian Championship, but I am lucky that I broke the national record.”

Praveen surprises everyone

Praveen Chithravel, a 17-year-old from Tamil Nadu, sprang a surprise when he qualified for the Asian Championships with a leap of 16.51m in men’s triple jump. Chithravel, who won a bronze in the Youth Olympics last year, clinched gold with his fourth attempt.

Mohammed Zuber of Uttar Pradesh finished second with 16.38m but the seasoned Arpinder Singh finished fourth in 16.34m, 16cm short of the Asian Championship qualifying mark of 16.50m.