The Taiwan Athletics Open 2024 concluded on a high note for Indian athletics, with a haul of seven medals – three gold, three silver, and one bronze.
This impressive performance showcased the potential of Indian athletes on the international stage, but also highlighted the ongoing quest for Olympic qualification for the upcoming Paris Games.
Nayana James Soars to Long Jump Gold
Nayana James, an established athlete with a bronze medal from the Asian Athletics Championships, cemented her position as a force to be reckoned with. In the Women’s Long Jump final, she leaped to a winning distance of 6.43m, securing the gold medal.
This victory adds to her successful season, which already included a personal best jump of 6.67m at the Indian Open Jumps Competition and a gold medal at the Federation Cup.
James faced stiff competition from Asian champion Sumire Hata of Japan, who settled for the silver medal with a jump of 6.37m. Yu Jeongmi of South Korea rounded out the podium with a bronze medal for her 6.14m jump.
Double Gold for Indian Men in Track Events
Ankesh Chaudhary continued his winning streak, adding another gold medal to his collection in the Men’s 800m race. He clocked a time of 1:50.63, solidifying his dominance in the event.
This gold medal became Chaudhary’s third of the season, following victories at the Indian Grand Prix-1 and the Federation Cup.
Compatriot Somnath Chauhan delivered a strong performance as well, securing the silver medal with a time of 1:50.88, just a quarter-second behind Chaudhary. Lorana Hussein of the Philippines completed the podium, claiming the bronze medal with a time of 1:51.37.
A Mix of Medals Across Other Disciplines
The Indian contingent brought home medals in various other disciplines at the Taiwan Athletics Open. Here’s a breakdown of their achievements:
● Men’s Javelin Throw: DP Manu secured a gold medal on Saturday with a throw of 81.58m. However, this distance remains short of the Olympic qualification standard, and he will need to improve in upcoming events to secure his place in Paris.
● Women’s 100m Hurdles: Nithya Ramraj displayed her speed and agility, claiming the silver medal with a time of 13.23s.
● Women’s 400m: V.K. Vismaya, a member of India’s gold-winning 4x400m relay team at the 2018 Asian Games, showcased her endurance by clinching the bronze medal with a season-best time of 53.49s.
● Men’s Pole Vault: Dev Meena secured the silver medal with a height of 5.10m. However, a higher foul count compared to the winner, Yong Fu Huang of Chinese Taipei, relegated him to the second position. Huang also cleared 5.10m but with fewer fouls.
Beyond the Medals: The Road to Paris
While the Indian athletes secured a commendable number of medals at the Taiwan Athletics Open, the underlying objective remains achieving the Olympic qualification standards for the Paris Games. With the deadline fast approaching on June 30th, athletes like DP Manu will need to strategize their participation in upcoming events and strive for consistent improvement in their performances. This tournament served as a valuable stepping stone, providing both competition experience and a chance to gauge their current levels.
The coming weeks will be crucial for Indian athletes as they aim to translate their potential into Olympic berths. They will need to utilise every opportunity to refine their technique, push their limits, and achieve the qualifying marks or climb the world rankings to secure their spots on the biggest sporting stage.
Written by Ishant
