#MeetTheMedalist: All you need to know about Dharun Ayyasamy
What's the story
Indian track and field athlete, Dharun Ayyasamy, clinched the second spot in men's 400m hurdles at the 2018 Asian Games. The gold medal in the event was won by Abderrahman Samba of Qatar, as he created a Games record with his timing of 47.66 seconds. Ayyasamy finish (48.96 seconds) is a national record as well. Here we look at the achievements of Ayyasamy.
Records
Dharun is a pro at breaking records
While Dharun Ayyasamy's timing has become the national record, this is not the first time that he has achieved this landmark. Earlier in March, he had himself scripted the feat with his timing of 49.45 seconds. This saw him eclipsing the record set by Joseph Abraham, which had stood for eleven years. Dharun and his team-mates had broken the national 4*400m record in 2016.
Life
Ayyasamy's life and other achievements
Ayyasamy was born in a small village of Tamil Nadu. Before taking up field and track events, he had represented his state in the sport of Kho kho. Dharun had won the gold medal at 2016 South Asian Games, which were held at Guwahati. He had also taken part in the 4*400 m relay race at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Twitter Post
Th Prime Minister has wished the medalist on his achievement
Well done Dharun Ayyasamy for the Silver in the 400m hurdles and clocking a personal best of 48.96 seconds. #AsianGames2018 pic.twitter.com/wEDnVEe37c
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 27, 2018