Saudi Gazette report
HANGZHOU — Saudi runner Yousef Masrahi clinched Saudi Arabia’s first gold medal at the 19th Asian Games in China, securing the top spot in the men’s 400m race with a time of 45.55 seconds.
He faced fierce competition from Bahrain’s Youssef Al-Abbas and Japan’s Kantaro Sato.
Masrahi rewrote history with the gold, marking Saudi Arabia’s return to the podium after winning the gold in Incheon 2014, nine years ago. This victory took place in Hangzhou.
After a suspenseful wait for the official results, Masrahi, who was just steps ahead of his Japanese competitor at the finish line, erupted in joy and sprinted towards the stands upon being crowned with the gold.
Exiting the race track, Masrahi said: “I dedicate this achievement to all Saudis, and I thank Allah for this success. Special thanks to my mother and Capt. Hamdan Al-Bishi.”