Rohith rewrites national record, Karnataka dominates pool

Guwahati, Feb 14 (UNI) Karnataka swimmer Rohith Havaldar set a new national record even as Karnataka dominates the pool in the 33rd National Games here today.

Rohith's gold-winning effort of 8.35.29 in men's 800m frestyle was 0.01.40 minute better than the existing national record and in the process helped his state notch up three of the six medals on offer today.

His statemate Rehan Poncha (8.47.60) won the silver while the bronze went to Mrewyn Chen (9.03.52) of Delhi.

In women's 800m freestyle, Surabhi Tipre of Maharashtra set a new Games record with a timing of 9.25.30, bettering the 2002 record of Andhra's Richa Mishra who is representing Delhi in this edition.

Richa (9.30.70) took the silver while Pooja R Alva of Karnataka (9.51.41) bagged the bronze.

Meanwhile, four events -- 100 m backstroke and 50m butterfly for both men and women -- were postponed due to heavy rains. The new schedule for the events would be announced later.

UNI