Bangladeshi sprinters withdraw due to illness

Two Bangladeshi sprinters fell ill on the 5th day of the ongoing SA Games.

Sprinters Jahir Raihan and Abu Taleb qualified for the final round of the 400m, after placing third and eight in their hits respectively. 

But due to breathing problems, both of them withdrew from running in the final round.

Taleb and Raihan were rushed to the nearest Blue Star hospital.

After the initial check-up, an anomaly was found with Raihan's breathing. Duty doctor Pawan Rawal said his pulse rate was higher than usual.

"Raihan's pulse rate is a lot higher than usual. Under this circumstance, we cannot permit him to compete in the finals. Both of them need rest." said the Doctor. 

Both the sprinters are now under medical observation. 

Jahir Raihan was Bangladesh's best bet to ensure a medal from sprinting.

In January this year, he broke the national record by running 400m in 46.86 seconds. 

Raihan clocked 47.34 seconds in the last Junior Athletics meet in India, last month.