Aichi-Nagoya, 27 September (H.S.): India’s Harita Bhadra won the bronze medal in the women’s 200 metres final at the Asian Games being held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on Sunday. Harita finished the race in 23.20 seconds to secure third place, edging Japan’s Abigail Fuka Ido by just 0.01 seconds. Ido clocked 23.21 seconds.

The final witnessed a closely fought contest from the outset. Singapore’s Shanti Pereira won the gold medal with a time of 22.78 seconds, while China’s Chen Yuji claimed the silver in 22.93 seconds. The battle between Harita and Ido for third place remained extremely close until the final moments, but Harita was ultimately confirmed as the bronze medallist after clocking 23.20 seconds.

Harita delivered a strong performance throughout the competition. She had finished second in her first-round heat of the women’s 200m, clocking an impressive 23.31 seconds to qualify directly for the final.

India’s other runner, Unnathi Ayappa, finished sixth in the final with a time of 23.46 seconds. Unnathi had earlier secured her place in the final by recording a personal best of 23.33 seconds in the heats.

With Harita’s bronze, India’s medal tally at the Asian Games has risen to 33. India now has four gold, 14 silver and 15 bronze medals.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar