AGENCY
WUHAN (China): Lalita Babar bagged a gold in 3000m steeplechase with a national record shattering effort, while ace discus thrower Vikas Dowda won another yellow metal as Indians produced an impressive show to grab three medals on the third and penultimate day of the 21st Asian Athletics championships here today.
Lalita improved her own 3000m steeplechase national record to win the gold in 9:34.13. The Maharashtra athlete had become the favourite to win the gold after the leading Asian in this event, Ruth Chebet of Bahrain withdrew from the race at Wuhan Sports Centre.
China’s Li Zhenzhu, silver medallist in the Incheon Asian Games last year ahead of Lalita’s bronze, could manage only a second place today with a timing of 9:41.43. Home country’s Zhang Xiyan won the bronze in 9:46.82.
31-year-old Gowda successfully defended his title he won in 2013 in Pune, though he came up with a below-par effort. Gowda, who had come up with two 65m-plus throws this year, but yet to qualify for Rio Olympics, hurled the disc to 62.03m to win the gold. (PTI)