Lakshmanan, Surya emerge winners on opening day

Surya clocked 16:02.85 while Lakshmanan got past the line at 14:04.21 as it turned out to be a day to remember for the duo from Pudukottai district. “I had arrived in the city only a few days ago and my passion for running made me take part in this Open Nationals. I will be taking part in the men’s 10,000 metres as well”, said Lakshmanan.   

Sarita P Singh from the Services captured the title in the women’s Hammer Throw event. On winning the event, Sarita added, “I am not satisfied with my performance as I have consistently finished at 64 metres in various other meets. Even the conditions at the Jawaharlal Nehru B Ground have not been favourable. I’m now looking forward to taking part and bettering my performances at the upcoming Federation Cup”.  

On the other hand, Tejinder Pal Toor, 24, was elated after bagging his first Open Nationals title of his career in the mens Shot Put event. 

1)Lakshmanan. G (Services) - 14:04.21 2) Abhishek Pal (Railways) - 14:08.38 3) Mann Singh (Services) - 14:08.87. 

1)Tejinder Pal Toor (Services) - 18.86m 2) Om Prakash Singh (ONGC) - 18.80m 3) Jasdeep Singh (Railways) - 18.51m. 

1) L. Surya (Railways) - 16:02.85 2) Chinta Yadav (Railways) - 16:40.45 3) Saigeeta Naik (All India Police SPO) - 16:53.97. 

1)Sarita P Singh (Railways) - 60.54m 2)Gunjan Singh (Railways) - 59.10m 3) Jyoti (Haryana) - 57.07m.