FIRST timer to the Chow Games, Shyal Lata was on cloud nine after winning the under-10 girls cricket ball throw yesterday.
The Class Five student of Arya Samaj Primary School won her Lautoka teams first gold medal of the day.
I was really surprised. I did not expect to win but Im happy I did, she said.
Cheered on by her mum and sister, Lata won the event with a throw of 38.80 metres.
Slim built Lata said she was at first daunted at the task of competing against her much bigger competitors. But I found the courage to face up to the challenge after my mum told me to win the gold medal for my school just before I competed, Lata said. I think I have her and my coaches to thank.
Apart from athletics, Lata said she enjoyed playing volleyball and netball with friends.
Coming in second place in the event was Aseri Adilevu of Ra with a throw of 38.60m.
Mere Leba of Ovalau Motoriki was placed third with a throw of 38.5m.