Bahrain wins women’s marathon for the third time; China won the first men’s gold

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Hangzhou. He Jie became the first Chinese athlete to win an Asian Games men’s marathon gold medal, while Bahrain’s Eunice Chebichi Paul Chumba maintained her position by winning gold on Thursday.

Chumba became Bahrain’s third consecutive female marathon winner, following the successes of Rose Chelimo (Jakarta-Palembang 2018) and Eunice Jepkirui Kirwa (Guangzhou 2014), in events running on the Kiantang River Green Belt Course.

“This is the first time I have won a gold medal in the Asian Games or any championship. Everyone was shouting for me, which motivated me to win, pushed me to the finish line,” Chumba said. “My competitors are really strong, and we were all pushing each other.”

Chumba finished second in 2 hours 26 minutes 14 seconds, ahead of China’s Zhang Deshun in 1:41:00 minutes. Sardana Trofinova of Kazakhstan won the bronze medal.

Zhang, who was third in the Jakarta-Palembang 2018 women’s 10000 metres, was proud of her achievement in her new discipline.

“This medal is a validation for me after the change in marathon running,” Zhang said.

“After finishing third in 2018, my goal this year is to finish in the top three or maybe win a medal of a different color.”

However, China could not be denied gold in the men’s event.

He Jie crossed the line first in 2:13:02, just 25 seconds ahead of Han Ilryong (PRK).

“Winning the marathon gold medal is a very special and important moment for me because I had very humble beginnings,” he said.

“I started as a training partner and because of the growing popularity of marathon running in China and increasing participation, by chance I joined the national team, and I started training harder. I think I really worked very hard.” I have come forward.”

His compatriot Yang Shaohui finished third.

India’s Man Singh finished eighth in 2:16058 while compatriot Beliappa Appachangada finished 12th in 2:20.52.

The marathon marked the end of the athletics program at the Hangzhou Asian Games. India finished with 29 medals – 6 gold, 14 silver and 9 bronze – in athletics at the 19th Asian Games.

(IANS)

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