Dheeraj Mishra gives India first track and field gold in triple jump

Pune, Oct 14 (UNI) Triple jumper Dheeraj Mishra leapt to a distance of 15.36 m to win the men's event and give India its first gold in the track and field event on the third day of the Commonwealth Youth Games, while Narayan Chandrodaya and Ejaj Ahmed bagged a silver and bronze respectively in the hammer throw to keep India on top of the medals tally.

Narayan cleared 67.38 metres with his throw, but could not stop Peter Smith of England from winning the gold who send the iron ball soaring to 68.38 metrs to win the gold. Ejaj Ahmed claimed the bronze with a throw of 64.47 meters.

Dheeraj, the junior SAFF Games champion, was a picture of confidence, clearing 15.42 meters in his very first jump which ultimately saw him clinch the gold. The athletically built Thane lad leapt to a distance of 15.36 meters in his third jump and repeated his performance clearing an equal distance of 15.36 metres in his sixth and final jump.

Benjamin William of England started on the wrong foot as his first attempt ended in a foul, then came back with a steady performance, ending with 15.41 metres in his fifth attempt which fetched him the silver medal.

South African lad Rakola Motlhatlhego also started badly with a foul jump, but recovered to post his best effort in his third jump clearing a distance of 15.20 metres to claim the bronze.

In the hammer throw, Narayan gave some stiff competition to the winner with a throw of 65.09 metres in the very first attempt, while eventual gold medalist Smith made a foul. Smith however got the better of the Indian, clearing a distance of 68.38 metres in his fifth attempt which saw him capture the gold. Ejaj, the other Indian in the fray, showed his promise with a throw of 62.41 metres in the first attempt itself but had to remain contend with the bronze medal with a best throw of 64.97 meters n his sixth and final attempt.

Results: Hammer Throw: Peter Smith (England): Gold Narayan Chandrodaya (India): Silver Ejaj Ahmed (India): Bronze Triple jump: Dheeraj Mishra (India): Gold Benjamin William (England): Silver Rakola Motlhatlhego (South Africa): Bronze.

UNI IS/GS AB CS1938