Bhubaneswar: After missing out on a podium finish in any of his three events despite some improvement in timing, local lad Amiya Mallick today said the Asian Athletics Championship has been a great learning for him.“For India, the Championship has been good overall. We are leading the medal tally but men sprinters have been a bit disappointing. I also faltered a bit. But I am taking back lessons from here and will improve,” Amiya told Kalinga TV after finishing seventh in Men’s 200 metres final. Despite finishing fifth in the heats, he got through to the final on the strength of his good timing.
Amiya had a disappointing run in this championship. First, the medal hopes of the relay team, of which Amiya was a part, were dashed after a baton gaffe between him and J Debnath. He was also disqualified in the 100 metres event due to a false start.
Despite a good start in 200 metres, Amiya slowed down towards the end and eventually missed out on a medal.
“It is not easy to compete against the best in Asia. Towards the end, I couldn’t keep the momentum. I have definitely improved on timing but will work harder,” he said.