Karnataka's swimmers predictably stamped their superiority, clinching three of the five gold medals on offer, even as four records fell by the wayside in the 32nd National Games in Hyderabad on Saturday.

Although the Karnataka swimmers ruled the roost on the opening day of the swimming competition, Deepak Kumar of Andhra Pradesh stole the limelight with two gold medals as the hosts continued their gold grabbing act in the early stages of the sporting extravanganza.

The talented Shikha Tandon set a new record in the women's 200 metres freestyle while Deepak Kumar also established a new record in the men's 100 metres breastroke on an otherwise low-key day at the Games.

The young Reshmi Das of Andhra Pradesh also brought the spotlight on her by creating a new Games' record in the high board diving event while Punjab had a satisfying day at the velodrome by setting a new record in the team time trial cycling.

The strong Manipur team picked up the other other gold in cycling, finishing first in the women's team time trial.

In the port city of Vishakhapatnam, Sandhyarani Devi brought more cheer for Karnataka by claiming the coveted gold medal in the women's upto 48 kg weightlifting event, lifting a total of 180.5 kg.

Title aspirants Kerala consolidated their position for a semi-final berth in men's football, whipping hosts Andhra Pradesh 7-0 in a Group 'A' encounter at the Police ground.

Captain Asif Saheer scored five goals, including a hat-trick, in what turned out to be a totally one-sided contest.

In the women's section, strong contenders Bengal bolstered their chances of a semi-final berth, trouncing lowly Assam 6-3 to complete their group league engagements with three points.

Kerala kept their reputation intact, registering a straight set victory over Punjab to move into the semi-finals of the men's volleyball event. Although Kerala and Punjab finished with four points each after their group engagements, Kerala cruised into the last four stage by virtue of a better set average.

 In another men's volleyball match, Andhra Pradesh prevailed over Uttar Pradesh 25-15, 25-15, 25-14 to keep their semi-final hopes alive.