Bhopal, Oct 02: Reigning champions China true to their form bagged three medals, two gold and one bronze, on the opening day of the Asian Kayaking and Canoeing Championships at Boat Club here today. Iran, who were runners-up in the last edition, followed them closely and also picked up three medals--two silver and one bronze, after three final events out of the four in KT-1 and KT-2 men and women categories planned for the day could be complete late in the evening.
China's gold medals were won in KT-1 senior women and men 1000 metres events.
Macau managed the third gold medal in KT-1 junior women 1000 metres that was decided today, while Taipei and Iraq bagged one silver and a bronze to their credit respectively.
In the semi-finals of 1000 metres K-1 race for senior men, India's P K Baroi occupied the top position recording 4.07 minute. He had been placed third in one of the heats races.
Participants from China and Iran stole the show as they had done in the past Asian championships. They are once again billed to be the hot contenders in the four-day event.
Altogether eleven teams from across Asia including hosts India are participating in the championship with war-ravaged Iraq making a last minute entry. Bureau Report