IMPHAL — Manipur’s triathlete Sarungbam Athouba
Meitei created history by securing the first gold medal for the state in the
triathlon event at the ongoing 38th National Games in Uttarakhand.
On Sunday, Manipur’s Athouba Meitei and Telheibam Soram
bagged first and second positions, respectively, in triathlon.
For Manipur, Athouba's achievement came 26 years after P
Subhaschandra's gold in the 5th National Games in 1999.
Athouba, who clocked 01:01:01 hours, said, “I feel so happy
and want to appeal to others to try hard and also be patient to achieve their
goals.”
His colleague Telheiba Soram clocked 01:02:10 hours to
finish second while Parth Sachin Mirage of Maharshatra settled for third
position with 01:02:14 hours.
“We’re so happy to hear the news. In fact, Triathlon always
gives us medals. Our athlete Subhaschandra from Kakching won gold at the
National Games in Pune in 1994,” said founding secretary of Triathlon
Association of Manipur, Mohendro Singh. “We’re also very positive and hopeful for
medals from Duathlon and Mixed relays.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Athouba’s father Jiten Singh, a
resident of Chingamathak Pishum Leikai in Manipur's Imphal West district, also
expressed happiness over the success of his son in a national competition.
Athouba and Telheiba will also compete in Duathlon men’s and
Mixed relay while Bijenkumar will be in reserve. Similarly Nelshi Devi and
Sweety will participate in Triathlon women’s, Duathlon women’s and Mixed relay
while Maibam Binita Chanu will be in reserve.
