Karmakar strikes a golden double in Hero Asian Cycling C'ship

Prasanta Karmakar, the para-swimmer-turned-cyclist, made a grand entry into the para-cycling sport by bagging two gold medals for the country at the Hero Asian Para-Cycling Championships at the Buddha International Circuit here today.
But there were more cheers for India in its maiden appearance in the para-cycling event as apart from Karmakar's twin gold, the hosts also bagged three silver and two bronze medals in the championship.
Karmakar, competing in MC 5 class of the Individual Time Trial, clocked 16:55.860s to outwit his compatriot Sachin Verma, who finished with a timing of 17:15.590s in the 10km event.
The duo then lined up again in the 40km Individual Road Race with Karmakar, India's most decorated para-swimmer, striking gold for the second time in the day, followed by his Verma.

While Karmakar finished with a timing of 1:13.31s, Verma clocked 1:14.31s to make it an all-India affair at the podium.
Considering that the Indian para-cyclists were competing in the Asian championships for the first time, the seven-medal augurs well for the country.
"It was my first experience as a cyclist. I never expected to do so well as I practised for just 2 to 3 months coming into the Hero Asian Para Cycling Championship. All credit goes to Cycling Federation of India for giving me this opportunity as well as helping me out with the equipment," Karmakar said.