Islamabad: Seema Antil and Amarjeet Singh came up with record breaking efforts to win the women's discus throw and men's triple jump, even as Madhuri A Singh hogged the limelight winning the women's 800m with a late burst on the second day of athletics competition in the 9th South Asian Federation (SAF) Games at the Jinnah stadium in Islamabad today (Apr 3, 2004).

Hirdayanand Singh won the men's discus gold as India finished the day winning four of the eight gold medals decided here. After 12 finals, India now has a total collection of 16 medals from athletics (6-5-5).

Amarjeet took advantage of the perfect wind conditions to begin his jump with a 16.16 metre effort, which was enough to bag the gold ahead of Pakistan's Zafar Iqbal (15.79m) and compatriot K C Saintison (15.69m).

After his big leap on the first attempt, Amarjeet could not better his mark as he fouled all his other three attempts. But the first effort erased the old mark, which stood in the name of India's Sanjay Rai.

In discus throw, Hirdayanand Singh (53.77m) beat the challenge of Sukhbir Singh (53.55m) to win the gold. Azhar Saleem of Pakistan won the bronze with an effort of 51.35m.

It was a remarkable performance by Madhuri to return her personal best time (bettering 2:08.50s) of 2:07.61 seconds. Madhuri was leading the pack at the bell and was striding well when Sri Lankan Mangala overtook her.

Nearing the home stretch, Madhuri closed in on Mangala and with a final kick breasted the tape first. Mangala clocked 2:07.84 and Gulnaz Ara (Pakistan) came in 2:09.49 seconds to win the bronze medal.

"I have been concentrating on my Olympics preparation and even I am surprised at my last minute burst against Mangala. I am glad that I won the gold for India," Madhuri said.

Seema Antil fouled her last three attempts, but her third try of 57.03 metres gave her the coveted gold medal. Her effort also bettered the previous SAF record of 50.96m set by Neelam J Singh in Chennai.

India also won the silver through Krishna Pooniya (49.17m).

In the much-awaited women's 200m dash, Sri Lanka's star sprinter Susanthika Jayasinghe won the gold stopping the clock in 23.49 seconds. The island nation made it 1-2 when Sujani Buddika won the silver in 24.31 seconds.

India's Poonam Tomnar picked up the bronze in 24.76s. But the 34-year-old had to overcome a stiff challenge from her 18-year-old compatriot Rama Devi Setty who came fourth in 24.88 seconds.

Susanthika, who broke from her Olympic participation training schedule in Los Angeles to compete here, faced no challenge.

The ace sprinter later told pressmen, "The food here does not suit me and I suffered a stomach disorder. I am happy I had contributed to Sri Lanka's gold medal haul."

She also complained about the transport arrangements and said, "They even ration the distribution of drinking water to just two bottles a day."