Quarter-milers Arokia Rajiv and M.R. Poovamma struck gold as India collected nine medals in all, including four gold, in the second leg of the Asian Grand Prix athletics series in Chonburi, Thailand.

The 21-year-old Arokia Rajiv clocked a career-best 46.54 seconds to improve on his silver won in the first leg in Bangkok, when he had a time of 46.91.

It was the second gold for Poovamma as she clocked 53.57 seconds. Poovamma won the battle against Kerala’s Anu R and Tintu Luka, powering her way to the finish line in a modest time of 53.41 seconds which was still inside the qualifying mark of 53.49 seconds. Anu R took the second place in 54.27 while Tintu came home in 54.31. In what was billed as the race of the meet between Poovamma and Tintu, the Kerala girl, an 800m specialist and trainee of PT Usha, settled for the third place as Poovamma changed gears from the 200m mark and powered home.

A total of nine athletes made the Asian grade  taking the total number to 25 including 10 women. Tamil Nadu came first in the men’s section and Kerala among women as overnight leaders Karnataka dropped down.

Always Seek Knowledge:

About M.R. Poovamma

1. She is an Indian sprinter who competes in the 400 metres.
2. She is currently ranked No.2 in Asia in the 400meter category.
3. Awards Won By M.R. Poovamma:
   1.  She won Silver in the 400m event at the 2008 Youth Commonwealth Games and Gold in the 4x400m category at the same event.
   2. She also won a gold medal at the 2013 Asian Grand Prix in Bangkok.
   3. She set her fastest timing of 52.75s and came 1st at the Federations Cup in Patiala.
   4. Poovamma represented India in the Moscow World Athletics Championships 2013.
   5. She won the gold medal in women’s 4 x 400 metres relay at the 2014 Asian Games.

About Arokia Rajiv

1. He  is an Indian track and field athlete who competes in the 400 metres event.
2. At the 2014 Asian Games, he won the bronze medal, clocking 45.92 seconds in the final.

Questions:

• Poovamma is associated with which sport?

Answer: She is a Sprinter.

• Who landed 2nd and 3rd in the race?

Answer: 2nd – Anu R, 3rd- Tintu Luka