10th South Asian Games
Colombo 2006
Mixed day in kabaddi
Lifter Manoranjan injured
Sports Reporter from Colombo
Bangladesh got off to an impressive start in the inaugural women's kabbadi competition in the history of the South Asian Games when they edged Nepal 28-24 at the 10th edition of the regional event here yesterday.The Bangladesh eves, who are actually participating thanks to the Indian kabaddi authority to complete the quota of teams needed for an event, led the first-half 16-7 at the National Youth Centre at Maharagama in the morning. At least four participants are required for a medal event and kabaddi giants India, who are eyeing to add another gold at the Games, are bearing all the cost of the Bangladesh women's team. On way to Colombo, they played six practice matches in India -- at Kolkata, Andhra, Orissa and Chennai -- and lost all but the experience helped them survive a late challenge by the Nepalese. Bangladesh, however, brightened their chances to win bronze after the win in the four-team league. They will play hosts Sri Lanka tomorrow. However, the men's team lost narrowly to silver medalist Pakistan 15-13 but Bangladesh management lodged an official complaint of foul play. Sri Lanka beat Nepal 31-24 in the other game. Meanwhile, Nepal won their first gold medal at the ongoing Games when Kamal Bha Adhikari won the title in men's weightlifting -- 69kg. He lifted a total of 266kg to finish ahead of competitors from Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Bangladesh lifter Manoranjan Roy was unfortunate not to get a medal and get injured. He finished fourth lifting 254kg, 114 in snatch and 140 in jerk. In his third attempt, Manoranjan was trying to lift a total of 146kg (clean and jerk) but lost balance as the weight fell on his thighs, injuring the lifter. Mizanur Rahman was luckier as he brought the third bronze in the discipline in the 77kg category. He lifted 233kg, a distant third from Pakistan's gold medalist Awais Akbar (270kg) and silver medalist PKN Dayan of Sri Lanka (256kg). Bangladeshi top squash player Swapan Parvez made an exit from the men's singles competition when he was outplayed by gold medal contestant Mansoor Azad of Pakistan. Swapan, who had eliminated Nepal's Chhabilal Paija 6-9, 9-6, 9-0, 10-9 in the first round on Saturday, lost the one-sided last eight battle 2-9, 3-9 and 1-9. Bhola Lal Chowhan of Bangladesh, however, failed to cross the first round, going down to Nepalese Hira Thapa 3-9, 1-9, 0-9. Mansoor will meet compatriot Ami Atlas Khan in an all-Pakistan final.
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