Historic victory for Al Ghasar

Baharain’s Ruqaya Al Ghasar won the women’s 200m final at Khalifa Stadium on Monday. Despite being slowest out of the blocks, just as she was when winning bronze in the 100m, this time she came storming through to take gold in 23.19 seconds.

Hundred metres winner Guzel Khubbieva took silver in 23.30 and 100m silver medallist Jayasinghe Susanthika Mannalage made sure there will be a podium re-union by taking bronze in 23.42. Twenty four year old Al Ghasara, who adheres to Arab dress code by wearing a white hijab and long track pants when she competes, is the first Bahraini woman to win an Asian Games gold medal in athletics.

Al Gharasa said, “I deserve the 200m gold medal, I was the strongest and the best. On winning bronze in the 100m, she said, “I was unfit then, but I prepared psychologically and physically for this event."

Mannalage said, “I am really happy. These two medals for me are like two golds, nobody thought that I would be here. My mother had made an oath to the bodhi tree that I would take part in these Games.”

In the men’s 200m final, defending champion and former World Championships bronze medallist Shingo Suetsugo (Japan) justified his pre-race favourite tag by storming home in 20.60 seconds. Yang Yaozu of China, bronze medallist four years ago, clocked 20.71 for the silver and Shinji Takahira took bronze in 20.81.

After his win Suetsugu said, "I felt the race was like a flash. I had confidence I could win the gold medal at the Asian Games twice. It was good. The wind was strong, but winning the race is the most important thing. It will be a good step for next year.

Yang said, "I'm very satisfied with my start, but I'm disappointed that I didn't sprint at the end. This is my fault. I wasn't good at improving during the race in areas such as rhythm and pace."