Indian boxers win 3 gold medals at Ahmet Comert tourney
NEW DELHI: Simranjit Kaur (64kg), Monika (48kg) and Bhagyabati Kachari (81kg) claimed gold medals as Indian boxers notched up an impressive seven podium finishes at the Ahmet Comert Tournament in Istanbul, Turkey. Simranjit, a former national medallist, defeated Turkey’s Sema Caliskan to fetch the top honours. Competing in the light fly category, Monika beat Ayse Cagirer of Turkey to win the gold medal, while Bhagyabati got the better of Selma Karakoyun, who is also from the host nation, in the light heavyweight category. However, Pinki Jangra (51kg), a former Commonwealth Games bronze-medallist, had to be content with a silver as she lost to another local hope Busenaz Cakiroglu to sign off second in the tournament. World Championship silver medallist Sonia Lather (57kg) too, settled for a bronze. (PTI)
Eliud Kipchoge sets new marathon world record
MELBOURNE: Kenyan athlete Eliud Kipchoge set a new marathon world record during the Berlin Marathon on Sunday. The 33-year-old clocked 2hrs 1min 39sec to break the previous record, which was held by his fellow countryman Dennis Kimetto, by 1 minute and 17 seconds. Reflecting on his achievement, Kipchoge said that he is extremely happy and not surprised with the feat as he had worked really hard for the same. “My only words are ‘Thank you! I was prepared to run my own race early so I wasn’t surprised to be alone. I have trained so well for this race and have full trust in the programmes of my coach,” News.com.au quoted Kipchoge, as saying. “I am just so incredibly happy to have finally run the world record as I never stopped having belief in myself,” he added. (ANI)
Bilbao ties 1-1 against Real
BILBAO: Athletic Bilbao and Real Madrid tied 1-1 here in San Mames stadium, after a header by Isco Alarcon in the second half saved Los Blancos from defeat. This is the first time that Real Madrid has dropped points this season in La Liga under new coach Julen Lopetegui, while Eduardo Berizzo’s Athletic was given a boost of confidence, reports Efe news. Los Blancos lost no time putting pressure on Athletic, controlling and rapidly moving to ball in an attempt to find a week spot in the local team’s defense. Real Madrid was close to scoring in the first minute, though Luka Modric’s shot from close range, flew to the right of the post. (IANS)