To pick walkers for the Worlds would be the most difficult task for selectors
The moment M.R. Poovamma and Tintu Luka came together to exchange pleasantries, the national media was quick to seize the opportunity to capture it. The two, who were part of the 4x400m relay women’s team which won a historic gold in the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, posed for photographs to whet the media’s appetite.
For Poovamma and Tintu — the Senior National inter-State athletics meet beginning on Friday which is touted as the final opportunity for aspirants wishing to make the cut for the upcoming World championships in Beijing from August 22 to 30 — it will not be make or break event as they have sets their eyes on the 2016 Rio Olympics. While Poovamma hasn’t yet qualified for the worlds in 400m, Tintu (800m) has already booked a ticket to Beijing.
“My focus is on Rio, and I am concentrating completely on that,” said the 25-year-old from Karnataka. “I am getting better with every race. I am fit and ready.” Tintu echoed Poovamma’s statements.
Tamil Nadu’s Arokia Rajiv, a bronze medallist in the 400m event at the 2014 Asian Games, is keen to put his best foot forward. He, too like others, is not looking at the Worlds, but Rio. “It’s a long travel, and I will have time to prepare to my full potential for Rio,” he said.
It is not sure if the shot putter Inderjeet Singh of Haryana, who won gold in the Asian championship in Wuhan, China, will be able to make it on time for the National meet.
Kerala’s Jinson Johnson, won silver in 800m in the Asian championship and bagged gold in three back to back Asian Grand Prix in Thailand, will be the one to watch out for. The 24-year-old admitted he is tired after participating in Asian championship and three Grand Prix. “June has been hectic and tiring, but I am confident of doing well here,” he said.
To pick walkers for the Worlds would be the most difficult task for selectors as 13 of them have already made the cut. “The best three would be picked,” said C.K. Valson, Secretary, Athletics Federation of India. “We’ll have to see how many does well there, and fitness also matters.”
W.I. Davaram, President, Tamil Nadu Athletics Association, said he wasn’t sure till the last minute that the meet would be held at the Nehru Stadium. “Till three days back, we were really worried whether he would host it in the main stadium and whether we would be able pull it off at the Nehru ‘B’ practice ground.”
Now that the meet is finally on, the focus will be entirely on the athletes.
source:http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sport> Other Sports / by K. Keerthivasan / Chennai – July 10th, 2015
