Rio 2016: Tintu Lukka fails to qualify for women’s 800m semis

Rio de Janeiro (Brazil):India’s middle distance runner Tintu Lukka knocked out of the Rio Olympics after she failed to qualify for the semi-finals of the Women’s 800m event here at the Olympic Stadium on Wednesday.

The reigning Asian champion picked up the early lead and led the pack after the first 400m, but she ran out of speed in the next lap to end the Heat three at sixth spot.

She finished the race with her season’s best time of 2:00:58. However, it was not enough to help her qualify for the next stage.

Switzerland’s Selina Buchel took the top spot in the heat with a time of 1:59.00 followed by Wambui Margaret of Kenya as they qualified automatically for the semi-finals.

India, who have sent their largest-ever contingent of 119 athletes in Rio Olympics, are yet to open their medal account in the ongoing Summer Games.(ANI)