Imranur Fastest Man Again, Shirin Fastest Woman for 18th Time — But Timing Row Mars Day One

Imranur Rahman and Shirin Akter kept their crowns as the country's fastest man and woman on the opening day of the National Summer Athletics. Imranur won the men's 100 metres in 10.53 seconds, while Shirin topped the women's 100 metres in 12.08 seconds — becoming the fastest woman for the 18th time.

Alongside the celebrations, however, the first day was marred by a dispute over timing. Before the competition, the federation's general secretary had pledged accurate results delivered quickly at a press conference, but the electronic scoreboard was out of order during the men's 100 metres.

The stadium's digital display first showed Imranur's time as 10.73 seconds. A few minutes later it changed to 10.53 seconds, marked 'provisional'. There were also complaints that the times displayed in the women's event differed significantly from the actual timings.

Journalists spoke to fastest man Imranur based on the 10.53-second time. His timing at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, had been even lower. Imranur said: 'I tried. But the timing turned out like this. There are a few more events, and my aim is to do better.'

Mohammad Ismail of the Navy finished second in the men's 100 metres in 10.67 seconds. Tarek Rahman of the Army took third place, finishing in 10.73 seconds.

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir inaugurated the National Athletics and personally presented the medals to the 100 metres medallists. Receiving a medal from the President made the day special for Shirin. She said: 'It feels very good to receive the medal from the President. The President came to the opening ceremony of the National Athletics. It shows how sincere he is about sports.'

Shirin's time was 12.08 seconds. Although winning a South Asian medal with such a time is difficult, she has not given up hope. In her words: 'There are still a few months before the SA Games. If I can train properly, I see a chance of a medal.'

Sharifa Khatun of the Army finished second in the women's 100 metres in 12.23 seconds. Sumaiya Dewan of the Navy was third, finishing in 12.33 seconds.

The President formally inaugurated the Coco 18th National Summer Athletics in the afternoon at the National Stadium. Youth and Sports State Minister Md Aminul Haque attended as special guest. In his opening speech, the President praised the state minister, saying a new wave in grassroots sports had swept the country since he took charge, powered by sports-loving Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

Remembering late sports organiser Arafat Rahman Coco, the President said he was not only a good organiser but had a unique contribution to the development of cricket. Calling athletics the mother of sports, he said: 'There is only one way to build a healthy nation and save the young generation from drug addiction, mobile addiction and despair — playing sports on the field.'

Citing the government initiative to build a playground in every union, the President called for strict steps to protect fields and free them from illegal occupation. He said: 'How long will we keep looking towards Argentina or Brazil? We have to produce our own players.' He also called for equal opportunities for women athletes, a quick launch of an 'Inter School Sports Competition', and long-term sponsorship from banks, insurers and industrial firms.

Former athletes Mohiuddin Ahmed Mostak and Sumita Rani lit the competition torch. After the oath-taking by players and judges, the competition got under way in a festive atmosphere, with athletes and sports lovers gathered from across the country.