Kathmandu : Nepali swimmer Alexander Gadegaard Shah (Alex) has created a new national record in 100 meters men’s freestyle. The new record was set today in the 100 meters swimming competition held under the 32nd Summer Olympics underway in Tokyo, Japan.

Alex broke his own previous record by clocking 53.41 secs in the hit phase held at the Aquatic Centre in Tokyo. Earlier, the national record was under his name at 55.38 seconds. Despite a new record, Alex failed to qualify for the semi-finals, which features the top 16 from various groups.

Alex came first among his group, beating 10 other swimmers. Another national record holder, Gaurika Singh will be competing in 100 meters women’s freestyle tomorrow. Prior to this, Sonia Bhatta in Judo and Kalpana Pariyar in Shooting competed representing Nepal, but failed to qualify further from the first round. Pariyar however set a new national record. —