Poonia bags gold in Portland event

Commonwealth Games gold medalist Krishna Poonia, on Thursday, won gold in women's discus throw event in the Harvest Throw Meet in Portland, United States.

Poonia came up with her season's best throw of 59.39m but her effort fell short of 2012 London Olympics qualification 'B' standard of 59.50m.

She began with 59.39m before her next two efforts were foul throws. She could not improve upon her first attempt mark as she came up with 59.29m, 59.37m and 59.22m in her last three efforts.

Poonia expressed confidence that she would qualify for the Olympics in her next two meets coming up in the United States.

"I am happy to win gold medal and has full confidence to throw 61 to 62 meter in coming events. I was feeling little bit nervous today because of the knee problem I had a couple of months back," she said.

Poonia has been training at the Throws Centre at Concordia University at Oregon, Portland since July, under the guidance of former Olympic champion Mac Wilkins.