BHUBANESHWAR: Archana Adhav ran the race of her life in the women’s 800m to take her maiden gold in the Asian Championship in the 22nd edition at the Kalinga Stadium here today.
The Indian, who was never talked about as the medal prospect, was under the shadow of her famed rival Tintu Luka but stepped up to be counted when the defending champion from India withdrew halfway mark of the race due to illness.
Archana took over the responsibility and challenged the two Sri Lankans running ahead of her and finally managed to edge past them with two metres to go to win gold in 2:05.00s.
Nimili Arachchige of Sri Lanka was second in 2:05.23 and her compatriot Gayanthika Abeyrathne was third in 2:05.27s.
India’s Lili Das, a junior runner, managed to finish fifth in 2:07.49s. (AGENCIES)
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