At last, Panocha’s stellar performances in the 20km walk are being recognised by the Gujarat government.
Record-breaking walker Babubhai Panocha was in high spirits after his meeting with the state’s youth affairs and sports minister Fakir Vaghela on Tuesday.
The state government promised India’s Commonwealth Games (CWG) medal-hope Panocha assistance in every form.
“They have assured me help in every possible way,” said a jubilant Panocha. The Sabarkantha-based athlete was accompanied by the Gujarat State Athletics Association secretary Ashok Patel. Echoing similar sentiments, Patel said, “Help from the government will be essential in Panocha’s road to success. This will boost his morale and encourage me to focus on his walk.”
Panocha became first athlete from Gujarat to be part of the World Athletic Championships when he participated in the 20km walk in Berlin recently. There he broke his own national record by completing the walk in 1:23:06 hr.
The 31-year-old is confident that he will stand on podium in CWG in Delhi. “I am working hard to bring down the timing to less than 1:20:00hr before the Delhi Games,” said Panocha, who is impressed by Usain Bolt’s thundering performances.
Having watched him from close quarters, the 13-year-old is determined to compensate for missing the Beijing Olympics.
“Representing India in the London 2012 Olympics is my dream. The Olympics is considered to be the ultimate test for all athletes,” said Panocha, who has great respect for former champion and coach Gurudev Singh. Panocha’s phenomenal performances in the 20km walk, where he rewrote the record books four times, have grabbed everyone’s attention, even the association. “Earlier, nobody noticed, but now everyone talks to me. I am getting better treatment now,” said Panocha, before heading to his native. Panocha will join the Patiala camp later this week.
Babubhai Panocha who is working hard to put India on the world athletics map, is also battling financial crisis. His wife is a cancer patient. “At times, it becomes difficult for Panocha to focus on his game. It is good that the government has promised help,” said Patel.
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