Imran and Shirin Crowned Fastest Sprinters as Timing Dispute Emerges on Opening Day

Imranur Rahman and Shirin Akter won the men’s and women’s 100-metre sprint titles, respectively, on the opening day of the 18th National Summer Athletics Competition. However, questions arose over the timing displayed on the electronic scoreboard.

The stadium’s digital display initially showed Imranur’s time as 10.73 seconds before changing it to 10.53 seconds a few minutes later. The latter time was still marked as provisional. The electronic board was reportedly not functioning properly during the men’s event, while discrepancies were also reported in the women’s timing display.

Imranur eventually finished first in the men’s 100 metres with a time of 10.53 seconds. Bangladesh Navy’s Mohammad Ismail came second in 10.67 seconds, while Bangladesh Army’s Tarek Rahman finished third in 10.73 seconds.

Speaking about his performance, Imranur said, “I tried my best, but this was my timing. There are a few more events, and I aim to do well in them.”

In the women’s 100 metres, Shirin Akter took first place in 12.08 seconds. Bangladesh Army’s Sharifa Khatun finished second in 12.23 seconds, followed by Bangladesh Navy’s Sumaiya Dewan in 12.33 seconds.

Shirin secured the title of fastest woman for the 18th time. Expressing her happiness at receiving a medal from the president, she said it felt special that the president had attended the opening ceremony, describing his presence as a sign of his commitment to sports.

Looking ahead to the South Asian Games, Shirin said several months remained before the competition and that she believed she had a chance of winning a medal if she could train properly.

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir formally inaugurated the 18th National Summer Athletics Competition at the National Stadium on Friday afternoon. State Minister for Youth and Sports Mohammad Aminul Haque attended as a special guest.

In his inaugural address, the president praised the state minister’s efforts to promote sports at the grassroots level. He also said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman continued to provide significant support and encouragement for the development of sports.

Recalling the late sports organiser Arafat Rahman Koko, the president praised his contributions, particularly to cricket. He also recalled the sporting interests of the family of former president Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Khaleda Zia.

Describing athletics as the mother of sports, the president said sports were essential to building a healthy nation and protecting young people from drug addiction, excessive mobile-phone use and frustration.

He highlighted the government’s initiative to establish a playground in every union and urged the authorities to reclaim illegally occupied grounds, preserve existing facilities and identify locations for new playgrounds. He also stressed the need to develop homegrown athletes capable of achieving success internationally.

The president called for the swift introduction of inter-school sports competitions to ensure equal opportunities for female athletes. He also urged banks, insurance companies and industrial enterprises to provide long-term sponsorship to help develop world-class athletes.

Former athletes Mohiuddin Ahmed Mostak and Sumita Rani lit the competition torch. Athletes and judges then took an oath to participate fairly in the competition.