Kalmadi hails Ashish, Khade bronze-winning efforts

Indian Olympic Association president Suresh Kalmadi hailed the bronze-medal feats of swimmer Virdharval Khade and gymnast Ashish Kumar in the 16th Asian Games, saying their performance proved that India had made rapid progress in disciplines like swimming and gymnastics.

"I am glad that India has won the first ever medal in gymnastics through Ashish Kumar and the swimming bronze through Khade after 24 years. It is a great achievement", Kalmadi said.

"It only shows that disciplines like swimming and gymnastics are coming up in India. It is a good sign and we need to encourage these sportspersons", he said.

Ashish Kumar became the first Indian gymnast to clinch an Asian Games medal by securing a bronze in the Men's Floor event of the Artistic Gymnastics.

The 19-year-old Khade 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 50m butterfly event.

Khade, who topped his heat by clocking 24.56sec, finished third in the finals with a timing of 24.31sec.

Khazan Singh was the last Indian swimmer to win a medal at the Asian Games when he clinched the 100m freestyle silver in the 1986 Seoul edition.