JOIN USArpinder Singh gave India its third medal in athletics as he won a bronze in the men’s triple jump event of the 20th Commonwealth Games here even as their two javelin throwers strangely sat out of the competition.
The Indian athletics team was hoping for a medal from Arpinder after he leapt 17.17M. In difficult conditions, he had a best jump of 16.63M at the Hampden Park which was hit by evening rain.
The 21-year-old Arpinder achieved his best jump in his first attempt and he could not improve upon the mark in his subsequent five efforts. He had a series of 16.46m, 16.31m and 16.09m after his first effort while his last two attempts were fouls.
Khotso Mokoena of South Africa won gold with a jump of 17.20M while 2010 Delhi Games winner Tosin Oke of Nigeria settled for a silver with an effort of 16.84M.
“The weather was not good. My coach was not here, so it wasn’t a very good performance. I hope to do well at the Asian Games,” he said.
Arpinder is the third Indian to win a triple jump medal at the Commonwealth Games. Mohinder Pal Singh had won a bronze (1970) and silver (1974) while Renjith Maheswary picked up a bronze in 2010.
With Arpinder’s bronze, India ended with three medals from athletics, including one gold by Vikas Gowda in men’s discus throw. Seema Punia had won a silver in women’s discus.
Nobody had expected more than three medals from Indian athletics team in Glasgow Games but it was a far cry from the 12 medals, including two gold, won in 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games.
Meanwhile, all the other Indians in fray in track and field events came up with disappointing performances.
Javelin disaster
In the men’s javelin, Vipin Kasana and Ravinder Singh Khaira ended their campaign in disaster as both of them did not even compete after qualifying for the final.
Vipin reportedly suffered pain on his elbow and Ravinder suffered a calf strain after the qualification round. They came to compete but changed the plan due to steady rain, to protect themselves from aggravating their injuries.
The women’s 4x400M relay team of M R Poovamma, Tintu Luka, Rattandeep Kaur and Anilda Thomas were disqualified in the final race.
The women’s 4x100M relay, the Indian women’s team had made it to the final after Wales had been disqualified. But on an appeal, Wales were reinstated, and the Indians had to stay out of the finals.