Asiad 2010: Ashish, Khade create history, India slip to 9th position in medals tally

Guangzhou: India opened a new page in its Asian Games history with Ashish Kumar clinching the first-ever medal in gymnastics while Virdhawal Khade broke the swimming medal drought after 24 years as the contingent added four bronze to its kitty in the fourth day of competitions here today.

In pic: Indian swimmer Virdhawal Vikram Khade during the men’s 50m butterfly event of 16th Asian Games at Guangzhou.

Ashish Kumar made the country’s first foray into the gymnastics medals podium with a bronze in the men’s floor event but disappointing performances in other disciplines resulted in India slipping to the ninth position in the medals table.

The 19-year-old Khade also scripted history as he became the first Indian swimmer in 24 years to clinch an Asian Games medal by notching up a bronze in the men’s 50 m butterfly event. Harika Dronavalli also clinched a bronze in the women’s individual chess.