In an opening day dominated by mediocrity, Tamil Nadu's Archana Suseendran was a standout performer winning the women's 200m at the 59th National Inter-State Athletics Championships here on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the NADA's Dope Control Officers (DCOs) were yet to arrive to collect dope samples from the athletes. PK Srivastava, the secretary of Uttar Pradesh Athletics Association, which is organising the meet, had claimed on Monday that the NADA officials will come on Tuesday (opening day) to collect samples from the athletes.
The absence of anti-doping mechanism during key competitions on the day certainly takes away a lot of sheen from the competition.
Back on track, Archana beat a stiff challenge from her team-mate V Revathi to clinch the gold in 23.39 seconds. She had run a personal best time of 23.18 seconds at the Indian Grand Prix V in Patiala on August 16. Dhana Lakshmi, also of Tamil Nadu, won the bronze in 24.22.
Archana's time fell short of the World Championship qualifying standard (of 23.02 seconds) but the 25-year-old was happy that she could justify her billing as favourite to win the event.
Odisha's Srabani Nanda cried off from the championships at the last minute, leaving the Tamil Nadu trio to sweep the podium places. Odisha's Dutte Chand had also decided to focus on 100m dash and had skipped the 200m event.
None could come close to World Championships qualifying mark in the nine finals held on Tuesday.
"I had a restless night, but I knew I had to win the race today at any cost," Archana said.
"I would have liked a bit more time to recover from the heats, but I am glad I was able to clock a good time on a track that is not as bouncy as the one in Patiala. I am glad I was able to justify the faith that my coaches have in me in the national camp."
The Results (all finals):
Men:
Women:
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