It was easily one of the best races run by Indian athlete in a long long time and it came again from an unheralded name. Ashwini Chidananda will not forget this day forever and India will cherish every moment of it.
The day began with huge expectations from Tintu Luka, the 800m runner who is more popular for being the cadet of the legendary PT Usha. But, Tintu didn't run the race of her life and only managed a bronze. But, that disappointment lasted only 20 minutes for the Indian contingent as Ashwini Chidananda ran the race of her life in the 400 metre hurdles to romp home India's 8th gold medal at the Games.
It was easily one of the best races in the athletics event at Guangzhou as Ashwini ensured her style of running was a treat for the text book of athletics. Starting off in lane 4, the Indian girl started on a cautious note but accelerated midway through the race and stretched her lead in the final stages of the race to nearly 1 second to win the race with a timing of 56.15, which was her personal best.
It was only apt that Ashwini chose the occasion to deliver her best timing in her career. The 23-year old had earlier finished on top of her heat before coming into the final.
Women's 400 metre hurdles result
Gold - Ashwini Chidananda of India - 56.15
Silver - Xing Wang of China - 56.76
Bronze - Satomi Kubokura of Japan - 56.83
Source: India Syndicate
