Nishad, Simran win gold after foreign guests suffer dog bites

New Delhi: On a day when dog(s) wreaked havoc biting three individuals during the ongoing World Para Athletics at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Nishad Kumar and Simran hogged the limelight winning gold medals in their respective categories.

Simran, in the company of her guide Umar Saifi, recorded a personal best (11.95) as she finished women’s 100m T12 final in first place. Nishad won his in men’s high jump T47 final, upsetting his fancied fellow American.

In the previous two events in Kobe and Paris Nishad had fallen just short to win silver, so it was totally understandable he was over the moon.

“My mother was sitting behind me and it’s such a big event. So many people were also there to support me,” said Nishad.

“I waited for this day all year round, day by day you can say. I have worked very hard. Needed god’s support too. There was no negativity in my mind. No greater feeling than winning a gold on your home turf,” the 26-year-old added. Nishad broke his own Asian record twice during the course of the event. 2.14 was his best effort of the evening.

Arjuna Awardee Simran, who is going to turn 26 next month, said, “Winning medal on your home ground, in front of your own people, the national anthem, it’s a very good feeling. Thanks to everyone who came here to support me. It’s my first gold in 100m [at global events], so I am really happy,” the Kobe WPAC gold medallist in 200m T12 said.

She dedicated her win to her husband Gajendra Singh and also thanked her brother-like guide Umar Saifi who played his role to a tee all through the race.

In other Indian medals of the day, Preeti Pal and Pardeep Kumar won a bronze each in women’s 200m T35 and men’s discus throw T64 respectively.

Dog bites foreign guests

A Japanese coach’s leg was lacerated with the wound running deep after a dog bit her in the morning. The picture, available with a foreign journalist, showed that the dog had sunk its teeth deep into the calf and removed the top layer.

A member of the Kenyan contingent was also bitten and according to media, a security guard was also bitten.

The injured were taken to the hospital.

Surprisingly, with India hosting such an important tournament, no precaution was taken with regards to canines.

Tags : Simran, Nishad, World Para Athletics, dog, bite, Japanese