Nasir Yahya Hussain and Duana Lama set national records in swimming at the Fishtail Academy’s swimming pool during the Ninth National Games in Pokhara, Kaski, on Saturday.

Tribhuvan Army Club swimmer Hussain bettered his own previous record of men’s 1,500m freestyle while Lama broke Gaurika Singh’s record in women’s 200m individual medley at the short course swimming pool.

Hussain clocked 16 minute 50.21 second to secure gold and better his own previous record of 17: 49.95 set during 13th South Asian Games (SAG) in 2019.

Non Resident Nepali Association’s (NRNA’s) Aashis Sapkota also eclipsed Hussain’s SAG record and secured gold at 16:57.95 Sunil Kuma Thapa of Nepal Police Club walked away with bronze.

In the women’s 200m individual medley individual heats, Lama clocked 2:31.46 to break multiple record holder Singh’s mark of 2:32.00 set during the Eighth National Games in Nepalgunj.

Gaurika Singh withdraws

Nepali swimming sensation Gaurika Singh pulled out of the 100 metre women’s freestyle and 200 metre women’s backstroke finals due to health problems.

The 19-year old Singh, who won four gold medals at the 13th South Asian Games, had qualified to finals through heat.

Singh had won 12 golds at the eighth National Games.