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Triple jumper Arpinder Sigh scripted history on Sunday by becoming the first Indian to win a medal at the IAAF Intercontinental Cup. Singh reached the semi-finals to clinch the bronze.
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An Asian Games gold medallist, Arpinder covered a distance of 16.59m in his first attempt to break into the final four stage and assure himself at least a bronze. But he failed to reach the final after managing just 16.33m in his second jump to stay content with the bronze medal.
Part of the 11-member Indian contingent, who is representing the Asia-Pacific team in the international competition, which happens once every four years, Arpinder has the best score of 17.17m which he registered in 2014.
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Defending Olympic and World Champion Christian Taylor of the United States won the gold medal with a jump of 17.59m, while Hugues Fabrice Zango of Burkina Faso took the silver after covering a distance of 17.02m.
Arpinder is the first and only Indian to win a medal at the Continental Cup, which was earlier known as the IAAF World Cup before 2010. Two athletes each from four continents of Europe, America, Africa, and Asia-Pacific are taking part in the 36 events including both the men’s and women’s categories.
It was, however, a disappointment for star Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, who finished sixth with a best throw of 80.24m from three attempts.
The reigning Commonwealth Games and Asian Games gold medallist achieved the score with his first throw. His second throw could only travel for 79.76m, while his third was a foul throw.
Olympic champion Thomas Roehler of Germany won the gold with a record throw of 87.07m, while Chopra’s Asia-Pacific teammate Chao-Tsun Cheng settled for the silver after mustering 81.81m in his second throw.
Chopra has a personal best throw of 88.06m which he achieved at the Asiad and is also a national record.
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