Punjab’s Chahat Arora erased one of the longest-standing records from the books as she powered her way to gold in the 100m breaststroke on the final day of the swimming events of the 36 th National Games at the Sardar Patel Aquatic Complex here on Saturday.
Chahat, who set the national record (1:13.61s) in the event at the recent National Championships in Guwahati, warmed up by equalling Sajani Shetty’s 25-year-old mark by clocking 1:17.35s in the heats which was held in the morning.
In the final, Chahat was in a league of her own as she destroyed the field early and with a strong finish sank the old record with a timing of 1:14.42s. The Maharashtra duo of Jyoti Patil and Aarati Patil came second and third respectively. ``I am happy that my hard work has paid off. I was confident of breaking the record here as I had set the national mark in Guwahati nationals. I challenged myself and didn’t bother too much about my rivals, she said after the event.
