No record broken in track events for the first time in games’ history

Sunsari, December 27

Athletes set a record of not breaking any record in the 22 track events in the 7th National Games, owing to the poor condition of the track.

The ‘sandy track’ of the Itahari Stadium not only made it difficult for the athletes to compete and showcase their talents, but it also affected the timing of the players. This is the first time in the history of the National Games that not a single national record was broken in the track events.

The games witnessed two national records, both by Chandra Kala Lamgade in field events.

Athletes and officials blamed the poor track condition for the lacklustre showing by athletes. “The quality of the track was so poor that the players struggled to compete,” said APF coach Sushil Narshing Rana. “Normally athletics events are held on synthetic track where it is easier for players to set records,” he added.

Mid-western region’s sprinter Yam Sajan Sunar, who claimed gold medals in men’s 100m and 200m, said players were disappointed with the track.

“It felt like we were running on sand. I felt the track was pulling me behind,” said Sunar.

Players complained about condition of the track but their pleas fell on deaf ears and they had to return home disappointed.

Olympian Hari Rimal, who bagged gold in men’s 1,500m race, said the track was good only for practice. “Competitions are not organised on such poor tracks anywhere in the world,” said Rimal, who had complained about the track on the first day of the competition.

Players were excited when National Sports Council Member Secretary Keshab Kumar Bista announced that the sports governing body would prepare international standard venues for all the games and assured participants that no player would have to compete on dusty track or muddy field.

But Bista’s promises turned out to be mere lip service, as almost all the venues used in the National Games were ill-prepared.