Pacific Games: Yeshnil Karan to compete in the 5,000m this afternoon

Team Fiji’s long-distance runner and 10,000 metres Pacific Games gold medalist, Yeshnil Karan, will be the one to watch when he takes part in the Men’s 5,000 metres event this afternoon.

Karan showed his dominance in the long-distance runs after beating other runners to win gold in the 10,000m race on Monday.

The 22-year-old broke the 5,000m national record by 15 seconds with a time of 14 minutes and 31.73 seconds while competing at the University of Queensland earlier this month.

Other Fiji athletes who will be taking part in the 5,000 metres are former Saint Vincent's College student Evueli Toaia alongside former Vishnu Deo Memorial School student Avikash Lal.

The men’s 5,000 metres will start at 6.45 tonight.

Team Fiji currently sits in 5th place with 13 gold, 18 silver and 18 bronze.

New Caledonia is leading with 67 gold, 41 silver and 42 bronze, while Australia is in second place with 37 gold, 20 silver and 8 bronze.