Ariful leads record spree

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.