The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Four new national records were created on the opening day as the Keya Cosmetics 24th National Age Group Swimming Championship began Sunday at the National Swimming Complex in Mirpur.

Defense Secretary M Kamrul Islam inaugurated the three-day meet and distributed prizes of some opening day's events. General Secretary of Bangladesh Swimming Federation Commodore (retd) MS Kabir was present.

Out of the 34 events, 24 were decided today when last report came in.

On the first day, Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP) dominated the pool securing 11 gold, 11 silver and 3 bronze medals, while Bangladesh Ansar followed closely with 10 gold, 5 silver and 5 bronze.

Nikli Swimming Club of Kishoreganj is a distant third with two gold, one silver and three bronze, while Chandpur Swimming Club is in the 4th slot collecting one gold and one silver medal.

Jewel Ahmed of Bangladesh Ansar made the day's first record in the Boys' 200-meter individual medley for 15-17 years age group, with a timing of 2:30.34 seconds as against the old mark of 2:30.59 seconds.

Mohammad Sagar Ali of Chandpur Swimming Club set up the day's second record in the Boys' 400-meter freestyle for 15-17 years age group clocking 4:54.51 seconds to better the previous mark of 4:54.66 seconds.

Two BKSP swimmers made the day's last two records in the Girls' 100-meter breaststroke for 11-12 years age group and in the Boys' 400-meter individual medley for 18-20 years age group.

Naima Akhter created national mark in 100-meter breaststroke taking 1:32.90 seconds to better the old mark of 1:35.73 seconds, while Anik Islam made new record in 400-meter individual medley clocking 5:09.16 seconds to improve upon previous timing of 5:10.00 seconds.

Some 517 promising swimmers, including 132 girls, are taking part in the three-day meet.

President of Bangladesh Swimming Federation and Navy Chief Vice Admiral Sarwar Jahan Nizam will be the chief guest at the closing function on Tuesday (July 22).