Budha silenced resentments with record-breaking gold

From Pramod Joshi, Pokhara, Oct. 17: Long-distance runner Durga Bahadur Budha was drawing resentment after his participation in the 9th National Games from Karnali Province was confirmed.

Buda's record-breaking win at the men's 3000m steeple chase on Monday heated the athletics track of Pokhara Stadium for some time. 

As an Indian Army, Budha participated in the 22nd Asian Athletics in 2017. Nepal Police Club, APF Club, Nepal Army and Gandaki Province jointly complained to stop his participation in the National Games. 

They complained that Budha's participation could demoralise other players as he represented Indian Army in the international event and did not come to represent the nation during the 13th National Games. However, their complaint was dismissed and Budha was allowed to compete in the Games. 

He quietened the resentment of his critics by winning the gold medal with a national record. He took 8 minutes and 55.19 seconds to break the record set by Rajendra Bhandari 18 years ago in Islamabad, Pakistan. Bhandari had a record time of 8 minutes and 57.30 seconds.  

Ajit Yadav of APF was one minute late than Budha as he finished second at the podium with a time of 9:21.10. Subash Karki trailed at third with 9:21.10. 

The success of Budha also won the first gold medal for the Karnali Province in the 9th National Games. Budha also gave Karnali a gold medal in the eighth edition by winning 10,000 meters. 

Runner Budha said he joined Indian Army for his livelihood. "As an Indian Army, I got an opportunity to compete in the international event and I competed there. But from now on I will put my nation first." 

He was confident to win the medal at the track of Pokhara Stadium. "Now, I will win the 5000m race and give Karnali second gold." 

This is his first race after running at the eighth edition. "I quit the marathon and participated in the steeple chase as I am given an option to ensure at least one gold medal to Karnali. My decision proved right."

Hari Bahadur Rokaya, coach of Karnali, revealed that he suggested Budha take part in the international event in Switzerland as a new runner would get a chance in the 13th SAG camp. 

Jayarani Tharu raced to her second gold medal as Nepal Army clinched three out of five athletics gold medals held on Monday.

Army grabbed two, Lumbini and Karnali pocketed one gold medal each. Tharu, who set the national record during the heat with 15.16secs, completed the 100m hurdles clocking 15.69secs. She bested her record time of 15.20secs. 

Her teammate Nirmala Thapa took the silver with 16.25secs. Bhagirathi Kumari Tharu took 19.13secs to trail at third position. 

The men's 110m hurdles gold medal went to Jeevan Chaudhary with a time of 15.03 secs. He was followed by Chandra Dev Joshi at the second position with 15.81 secs. Ram Prasad Tharu of the Army captured the bronze with 16.00secs. 

Likewise, Chitra Bahadur gave the Army third gold by winning the men's Discus throw with 38.48m. Puskal Khadka of Nepal Police with a 32.75m throw won silver and Hemant Pal with a 31.10m throw took the bronze medal for Sudurpaschim. 

Sangita Adhikari with a 35.10m throw won the women's discus gold for Lumbini. Her opponent Jitkumari Mahato with a 33.60m throw took silver. Milan Budhamagar kissed the bronze with a 32.35m throw.