Ansar dominates, 23 new records set in national swimming

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Brazil's forward Lucas (L) vies with New Zealand's midfielder Michael McGlinchey during a football match of the 2012 Olympic Games in Newcastle Wednesday. — AFP

An encouraging 23 new national records were set in the four-day Walton 24th National Swimming championship that concluded Sunday at the National Swimming Complex in city's Mirpur with clear domination by Bangladesh Ansar, reports UNB.
Sonia Akhter of Ansar emerged as new queen of the pool securing 10 gold medals including three in relay featuring new national marks in nine events while her team-mate Sabura Khatun also excelled in the meet collecting nine gold medals including three in relay with six national records.
Mahfuzur Rahman of Bangladesh Army clinched seven gold medals including two in relay with two new national marks while Rubel Rana of Bangladesh Navy won five gold medals including one in relay, and Kamal Hossain of Army and Doll Akhter of Ansar earned three gold medals each.
On conclusion of the meet, Bangladesh Ansar clinched the top slot securing 18 gold, 13 silver and four bronze medals, Bangladesh Army finished 2nd collecting 12 gold, 11 silver and seven bronzes, Bangladesh Navy became 3rd with seven gold, 10 silver and nine bronze while BKSP placed 4th with four gold, four silver and 11 bronze medals.
Seven new national records were created in the 10 events decided on the 4th and final day Sunday.
State Minister for Youth and Sports M Ahad Ali Sarkar was the chief guest in the day's closing function and distributed the medals.
In the water polo championship, Bangladesh Navy emerged champions beating Bangladesh Army in the final Sunday while Bangladesh Police finished third.