April 22, 2008	Tuesday	Rabi-us-Sani 15, 1429

LAHORE, April 21: While Army continued their supremacy in men’s category, Wapda remained front runners in women categories as six finals were decided on the first day of the 40th national athletics championship at the Punjab Stadium by the time this report was filed.

In all two men’s finals decided, the defending champions Army clinched the first gold medal through Mohammad Imran in javelin throw, as he threw the javelin to a distance of 74.91 metres. Arfan Hussain of Wapda claimed the silver medal while Imran of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) finished third.

Mohammad Nawaz won 5000metre race for Army to claim another gold medal, covering the distance in 15 minutes 2.54 seconds. Army also clinched the silver medal through Mohammad Ilyas. Gulshan Masih of Wapda seized silver medal.

In women section, Wapda made a good start to defend the title, winning all four finals.

Rozina Shafqat obtained the first gold medal for Wapda in high-jump by jumping to the height of 1.45metres. Shumaila Sattar of Higher Education Commission and Hina Rafiqi (Sindh) remained second and third.

Bushra Parveen won 800m race, covering the distance in two minutes 12.1seconds to give Wapda their second gold medal of the day. Shugufta Parveen (Wapda) and Kiran Rana (Punjab) bagged silver and bronze medals.

Zeenat Parveen won the shot put event with a distance of 13.99 metres as Wapda grabbed third gold medal.

In last, Mariam Babar won the gold medal in long jump with a distance of 5.24 won the event as Wapda were richer by four gold medals.

The competition is being held for the first time under the floodlights and with new equipment of auto-timer.

Results:

Javelin throw (men): Mohammad Imran (Army) 74.91m; Arfan Hussain (Wapda); Imran (PAF); Haroon Rashid (Railways); Fiaz Bukhari (Wapda); Abdul Rehman (Navy).

High-jump (women): Rozina Shafqat (Wapda) 1.45m; Shumaila Sattar (HEC); Hina Rafiqi (Sindh); Asma Rafique (Wapda); Sadaf (Sindh).

800m (women): Bushra Parveen (Wapda) two min 12.1sec; Shugufta Parveen (Wapda); Kiran Rana (Punjab); Nusrat Shabana (Punjab).

Shot put (Women): Zeenat Parveen (Wapda) 13.99m; Madiha Latif (Punjab); Fouzia Khatoon (Wapda); Sania Boota (Punjab).

5000m (men): Mohammad Nawaz (Army) 15min 2.54sec; Mohammad Ilyas (Army); Gulshan Masih (Wapda); Shabbir Hussain (Raiwlays).

Long jump (women): Mariam Babar (Wapda) 5.24m; Naseem Hameed (Pak Steel); Saira Fazal (Wapda); Sania Awan (Pak Steel).