Ariful Islam of Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishthan (BKSP) grabbed five gold medals including three with record timing on the opening day of the Mir Akhter Hossain Ltd 31st National Age-group Swimming Competition at the National Swimming Complex in Mirpur yesterday.

Ariful (18-20 year) won gold in 100m breaststroke, 200m freestyle, 200m butterfly, 100m backstroke and 400m individual medley, with records in the first three events. Ariful's teammate Sonia Khatun (18-20 year) won four gold medals while the same institution's Rupa Khatun (10 year) won two gold medals in record time.

A total of 10 records were set in 36 events on the opening day, with BKSP leading the tally grabbing 23 gold, followed by Bangladesh Ansar with 13.