India's Nayana James wins gold medal in long jump at Taiwan Athletics Open

Taipei City: Indian athlete Nayana James clinched the gold medal in the women’s long jump event at the Taiwan Athletics Open 2024 here on Sunday.

Nayana recorded a distance of 6.43m on her third attempt in the long jump final for the top step on the podium.

Nayana beat Japan’s Sumire Hata, the reigning Asian champion, for the gold medal. Hata won the silver with a best effort of 6.37m while Yu Jeongmi of the Republic of Korea settled for bronze with 6.14m.

Nayana began the final with an invalid attempt. She recorded 6.21m on her second attempt and improved her lead with a 6.43m jump on the third try. The 28-year-old held on to the lead for the rest of the final to take the gold medal.

Ankesh Chaudhary of India won the gold medal in men’s 800m after clocking 1:50.63 - 0.25 seconds faster than compatriot Somnath Chauhan, who settled for silver. The two Indian athletes were followed by Lorana Hussein of the Philippines, who crossed the finish line in 1:51.37.

India’s Dev Meena won the silver medal in the men’s pole vault with 5.10m.

Indian athletes ended the Taiwan Open 2024 campaign with seven medals - three golds, three silvers and one bronze.