Chennai, Aug 12 (UNI) Indian Centre for Public Affairs and Relations (ICPAR) and 'OnlySuccess Learning Technologies', a leading training company, conducted a unique speed reading competition for school students here today.

Over 1000 students from over top 50 schools in the city participated in the competition.

Talking to UNI, 'OnlySuccess' director sales and marketing S Lakshmi Narayanan claimed that this competition was Asia's biggest ever with over 1000 students participating in it.

''We have conducted similar kind of speed reading competition recently in Malaysia, Dubai, Abu Dabi and Sharjah, where the students numbers never crossed beyond 500'', he added.

Explaining about the programme, he said an average student reads between 250 and 350 words per minute while the 'good' reading speed was around 500 to 700 words per minute.

He said some of the facts that reduce reading rate included word by word reading, sub vocalisation, faulty eye movements, inaccuracy in placement of the page and regularity of movement.

The competition was open to students from class six to 11, he said.

He added ''M C Pournami from Kolaperumal school won the competition by reading over 1000 words per minute.'' UNI