Javelin thrower Annu betters National mark

PATIALA: After a dismal show in Jakarta Asian Games, javelin thrower Annu Rani was told by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) that her performance is not up to the mark and she won't be sent abroad for training.
Six months later, Annu Rani has set a new national record of 62.34 metres in the women's javelin throw event on the third day of the ongoing 23rd Federation Cup here.
She broke her own record of 61.86m that she recorded two years ago at the same venue. However, the throw is well short of the qualifying standards for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, which is 64m.
It turned out to be a Super Sunday for Annu, who not only earned her spot at the Asian Championship, but also qualified for the World Championships with this throw. "I don't have words to describe it. The past two years have been a struggle for me. I was doing well during practice, but I was not able to replicate it in the competitions," a relived Annu told TOI after setting a new national record.
Haryana's Kumari Sharmila finished second with a throw of 54.98m, while Punjab' Rupinder Kaur had to settle for bronze with an effort of 53.90m.
Gavit Murali Kumar of Gujarat led four other athletes past the qualifying mark of 29.50.00 in the men's 10,000 metre race.
Gavit, who had won the men's 5000m race on the first day of the Federation Cup, crossed the finish line in 29.21.99. He was followed by Abhishek Pal of Uttar Pradesh, who recorded a time of 29.22.37 while the bronze medal went to Kalidas Hirave, clocking 29.25.16.