Handal Roban sets new mark in NCAA event

Handal Roban’s clocking of 1: 44.91 in the men’s Indoor 800m at the 2026 PSU National Open at University Park, Pennsylvania, USA, last Friday, January 30, 2026, was one for the record books.

In the process, the 23-year-old Vincentian, running for Penn State University, set a new record for the institution; registered the second fastest time for a collegiate in the history of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA); and also reset the St Vincent and the Grenadines record.

Roban’s time was only faster by Paul Ereng, whose 1:44.84, was recorded in 1989.

Meanwhile, Roban in bettering his mark for St Vincent and the Grenadines, shaved off a healthy 1. 70 seconds from the previous national best of 1:46.81, set in 2024.

Roban was not done, as he was named among the Big Ten’s Track Athlete of the Week.

Considered St Vincent and the Grenadines’ current top male athlete, Roban is the all- time outdoor record holder for the 800 metres.

Also in Roban’s grasp are the St Vincent and the Grenadines’ 1000 metres indoor record; the Under-20 male 800 and 1500 metre record.