POKHARA, Dec 3: Nepal's Soni Gurung has won first gold in women's sprint during the 13th South Asian Games (SAG) Triathlon event held in Pokhara on Monday. India's Adarsha MN Sinamol achieved the same feat in men's category.
India went on to win two silver and a bronze in the event whereas Nepal could add a bronze to the medal tally.
Gurung took 1 hour 13 minutes 45 seconds to complete the sprint. India's Sarojini Devi Thoudam took 1 hour 14 minutes to finish second followed by her fellow national Praganya Mohan, who took 1 hour 14 minutes 57 seconds to satisfy with bronze.
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India's Sinamol completed the sprint in 1 hour 2 minutes 31 seconds to grab the gold followed by Bishworjit Saikhom at second place who took 1 hour 2 minutes 59 seconds. Likewise, Nepal's Basant Tharu took 1 hour 3 minutes 6 seconds to secure bronze, nation's second medal on the day in Triathlon.
However, Nepal's triathlon head coach Yuvraj Silwal was not satisfied with Nepal's performances in the event. He believed athletes could have achieved the same feat in better duration.
"I am happy for gold but India remains our main rival. We aspire to win two golds in women's category and a gold in mix-relay. Similarly, we are assured to win a silver in men's category. We also expect a gold in duathlon," said Silwal.
Under triathlon, 750 meters of swimming, 20 kilometers of cycling and 5 kilometers of running were held in Pokhara on Monday.
The three-day event boasts 26 athletes from Nepal, India and Sri Lanka. Duathlon for men and women will be held on Tuesday. Five kilometers of running, 20 kilometers of cycling and 2.5 kilometers of running have been allocated for duathlon.
In mix-relay triathlon set to be held on Wednesday, 300 meters of swimming, 6 kilometers of cycling and 2.5 kilometers of running have been allocated.
This is Nepal's second participation in the sports category. Earlier, in the 12th edition of the sports extravaganza, Nepal had won a silver in mix-relay and a bronze in women's sprint.
