Asian Games 2018: Muhammed Anas Yahiya wins silver, adds to Athletics tally

"It is a new dawn for sports in India". This statement has been used too often in the past. However, one's mind cannot help but go back to the very statement, if one learns about the potential of the Indian Athletics contingent. It is true that the athletes which have made their way to Jakarta and Palembang represent one of India's most promising contingents in the competition. Young stars such as Hima Das, Neeraj Chopra, Tajinderpal Singh Toor give testament to that fact. The latter already justified the hype surrounding him by winning the Gold medal in Men's Shot Put yesterday. Muhammed Anas Yahiya, another star of the 'Golden' generation, took to the track today, August 26, for the final of Men's 400m. Accompanying him on the track was compatriot Rajiv Arokia. Both Yahiya and Arokia ran brilliantly, yesterday while competing in the Semifinal Heats for the same event. Yahiya qualified by finishing first in his heat. The 23-year-old also set the best time overall, finishing the race in just 45.30 seconds. On the other hand, Arokia qualified by finishing second in his heat and sixth overall. His timing, 46.08 seconds. However, the success in the qualifying rounds and the semi finals was unfortunately not translated in the finals where Anas finished fourth with a timing of 45.69seconds. Compatriot Arokia Rajiv finished just behind a medal finish with a 4th place at the end of the race. In the women's race, it came as a double delight after Hima Das bagged the silver medal in the 400mt race as well. The Silver for Anas comes off the back of a very close 4th place finish in the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games which saw him miss out on a Bronze. This is certainly a remarkable accomplishment and the only thing that Anas will be disappointed about will be missing out on the Gold.

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Also read: Asian Games 2018: Hima Das wins 400mt Silver