Deborah wins bronze for India in Asian Cycling C’ship
8 March 2013 2:01 AM GMT
Tsunami survivor Deborah bagged a bronze medal to mark an impressive beginning to India’s campaign on the opening day of the Hero Asian Cycling Championship at the IG Velodrome on Thursday.
19-year old Deborah gave India its second medal ever at the Asian Championships when she finished the 500m time trial finals in 37.841s, marginally behind Korea’s Yeonhee Jang (37.159s) and Yu Shiou Chenh of Taipei (37.834s).
Despite an imperfect start at the release point in her first attempt, the girl from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands quickly gained momentum much to the cheer of handful of supporters present at the Velodrome.
‘I went blank after I got tripped. I told myself to be calm as I had to start immediately. After the first lap I knew I was in with a chance to finish on the podium. I am happy I lived up to the expectations,’ said Deborah, a survivor of 2004 tsunami.
‘The feeling is yet to sink in. I am so happy to have done my country proud. It’s always been my dream to do well. I am looking forward to representing India at more international meets,’ she said.
Another Indian girl, Sunita Devi (4:04.423s) bettered her previous best in the 3 km Individual pursuit event set at the Commonwealth Games in 2010. However, she finished fifth in the event won by Japanese Sakura Tsukagoshi (3:46.326s).
19-year old Deborah gave India its second medal ever at the Asian Championships when she finished the 500m time trial finals in 37.841s, marginally behind Korea’s Yeonhee Jang (37.159s) and Yu Shiou Chenh of Taipei (37.834s).
Despite an imperfect start at the release point in her first attempt, the girl from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands quickly gained momentum much to the cheer of handful of supporters present at the Velodrome.
‘I went blank after I got tripped. I told myself to be calm as I had to start immediately. After the first lap I knew I was in with a chance to finish on the podium. I am happy I lived up to the expectations,’ said Deborah, a survivor of 2004 tsunami.
‘The feeling is yet to sink in. I am so happy to have done my country proud. It’s always been my dream to do well. I am looking forward to representing India at more international meets,’ she said.
Another Indian girl, Sunita Devi (4:04.423s) bettered her previous best in the 3 km Individual pursuit event set at the Commonwealth Games in 2010. However, she finished fifth in the event won by Japanese Sakura Tsukagoshi (3:46.326s).
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