Prince Kumar, Sanjana Singh, and Samardeep Gill bagged gold medals as India made a rousing start to its campaign in the fourth South Asian Athletics Federation (SAAF) Senior Athletics Championships at the Birsa Munda Football Stadium here on the opening day. In the Men’s 5000m race, Prince produced a stunning performance, clocking 14:22.17 seconds to secure the first gold medal of the championship. He outpaced Sri Lanka’s Vakshan Vicknaraj, who claimed silver (14:23.21 seconds).

Sanjana then doubled the country’s gold tally in the women’s 5000m race by beating compatriot Seema. In the men’s shot put event Samardeep delivered a commanding throw of 19.59 metres to win the gold medal ahead of compatriot Ravi Kumar (17.95m). India ended the day atop the medal table  with 14 medals. Sri Lanka were in second place with 10 medals to their name while Nepal are third with three medals.