Ismail sets new national record in 100m

Bangladesh Navy’s Mohammad Ismail set a new national record in the 100m sprint as the Walton National Athletics Competition, organised by Bangladesh Athletics Federation, got underway Thursday.

Ismail took 10.2s to cross the finishing line, thus breaking the previous national record of 10.4s, set in 1991 by Golam Ambia.

Previously, Ismail, who is the holder of eight gold medals in long jump, used to dominate the local scene in long jump and the sprint relays, and his emergence in the 100m was a somewhat sudden decision.

Following the race, he said, “You can say I joined the 100m due to anger. Despite doing well in long jump, I didn’t get that many facilities. Usually everyone looks to the 100m for glamour. I became the best in my organisation in the heats. Now I am the national champion. Feeling really good.”

He added, “I was feeling a bit tensed when I started my race. I was thinking whether I could do it, but my coaches offered me encouragement. They said I have nothing to lose. ‘Because you are taking part in your first 100m. Whatever you do will be an achievement’.”

BKSP’s Hasan Mia and Navy’s Rakibul Islam finished second and third respectively with timings of 10.3s and 10.4s accordingly. 

The Walton 42nd National Athletics, organised by Bangladesh Athletics Federation, will get underway later this month.https://t.co/Y8NWC8kFfK#BAF #BANGLADESHATHLETICS #ATHLETICS #BANGLADESH #ATHLETICSFEDERATION #BANGLADESHFEDERATION #BANGLADESHATHLETICSFEDERATION #WALTON

— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) January 19, 2019

In the women’s 100m, Shirin Akter of Navy emerged as the champion with a timing of 11.8s.

Shirin continues to rule the roost as this was her sixth consecutive 100m crown, and eighth overall.

After her race, Shirin said, “Feeling really happy. I had the endeavour. I practised hard before the competition began. Want to do well in future.” 

Navy’s Sohagi Akter and Sharifa Khatun ended second and third respectively with timings of 11.9s and 12.3s accordingly.

Earlier Thursday, the State Minister for Youth and Sports, Mohammad Zahid Ahsan Russel inaugurated the event as the chief guest.

The men’s marathon, men’s 110m hurdles, men’s long jump, men’s javelin, women’s 100m hurdles, women’s long jump, men’s 400m, women’s 400m and men’s hammer throw, women’s javelin, men’s 3000m steeple chase and women’s 3000m will be held Friday.

A total of 410 athletes from 45 teams are taking in 36 events – 22 men’s and 14 women’s.