India performing brilliantly in South Asian Games. On the fifth day on the strength of badminton and table tennis players, 19 gold, 18 silver and four medals including 41 have strengthened the top position. The total number reached 178 (90 gold, 61 silver and 27 bronze) making it far ahead of second-placed Nepal 116.
Indian youth shuttlers Ashmita Chahila and Cyril Verma played a major role in the singles section of the 13th South Asian Games (Saig) badminton event to take the top spot in the table. Due to the tremendous performance of these players, they finished their campaign with a total of ten medals including six gold, two silver and two bronze. Former silver medalist Cyril of Junior World Championship won the final by defeating compatriot Aryaman Tandon by 17-21,23-21,21-13 while defeating Ashmita compatriot Gayatri Gopichand of Assam 21-18 25-23.
Dhruv Kapila achieved double success in an important match. Dhruv, along with Krishna Prasad, defeated Sri Lanka's Sachin and Buwaneka Tharindu 21-19,19-21,21-18 to clinch the title in men's doubles. He then completed the Golden Double with Meghna in the mixed doubles, defeating Sachin and Thilini Pramodika of Sri Lanka 21-16,21-14. On the other hand, the duo of N Sikki Reddy and Meghna and Kuhu Garg and Anushka Parikh lost after a good performance in the semi-finals which helped them win the silver medal for the country. Earlier, the women's and men's teams won yellow medals.
Also Read:
South Asian Games: Tejinder Pal Singh breaks 20-year old record, swordsmen wins three gold
World Boxing Championships: Sonia Chahal and Meenakumari Devi makes place in semi-finals
Swastik chikara plays an inning of 585 run in 167 balls
These Indian table tennis players win gold medal in South Asian Games