RANCHI: Prince Kumar, Sanjana Singh, and Samardeep Gill struck gold medals as India made a rousing start to its campaign at the 4th South Asian Athletics Federation (SAAF) Senior Athletics Championships at the Birsa Munda Football Stadium, Ranchi, by clinching multiple medals, including three glittering gold on the opening day.
In the Men’s 5000m race, India’s Prince Kumar produced a stunning performance, clocking 14:22.17 seconds to secure the first gold medal of the championship. Currently serving as a constable with Uttar Pradesh Police, Prince showcased remarkable endurance to outpace Sri Lanka’s Vakshan Vicknaraj, who claimed silver with 14:23.21 seconds. The bronze medal went to Mukesh Bahadur Pal of Nepal with a time of 14:25.25 seconds.
India continued its dominance in the Women’s 5000m race, where Sanjana Singh clinched the gold medal, followed by her compatriot Seema, who took silver, marking a 1-2 finish for India in the event.