Maldivian athlete Hassan Saaid bagged the gold medal in the men's 100-metres event at the ongoing South Asian Games (SAG) on Tuesday.
This marks the first time that Maldives secured gold in the 35-year history of the SA Games.
Saaid completed the event in 10.49 seconds, narrowly beating Sri Lankan athlete Himasha Eshan who crossed the finish line in 10.50 seconds. Eshan secured the gold medal in the men's 100-metres event at the previous SAG.
Saaid's win came as a surprise as he had finished only third during the heat with a timing of 10.66 seconds. Eshan came first at 10.51 seconds followed by an Indian athlete who clocked 10.60 seconds.
Maldives' most notable achievements at the SAG prior to Saaid's gold medal were three silver finishes. These include the national football team's silver medal in 1991 and Saaid's 2016 medals for the 100-metres event and the 200-metres.
In 2015, Saaid won a gold medal at the 2015 Indian Ocean Island Games (IOIG) 100-meter race in 10.51 seconds, a first for Maldives in a multi-sports event.
The runner's achievement of fourth rank in the 100-metre run at the Asian Athletic Championship constituted the country's first multi-sports medal in the Asian region. He also brought home a gold medal in 2016 after participating in the 100-metre race at the Indian Grand Prix Athletics.
Sign In
