We’ve seen so many pull out from the Commonwealth Games because this is an off season for the athletes.
We’ve seen so many pull out from the Commonwealth Games because this is an off season for the athletes. They would need enough rest before kick-starting their preparations for 2011 World Championships.
I’m hopeful that we’ll end up with more medals on our home soil than in previous Games. India’s best chance to clinch medals will come in the field events rather than track as the competition will be tougher.
Countries like England, Australia and those from Africa and Caribbean islands have always dominated the track events.
Barring the women’s 4x400 metres relay team and Tintu Luka in the 800 metres, I can’t think of any other athlete who can really be a threat.
In the field event we’ve brighter prospects. Those to look out will be Mayookha Johny and Prajusha in the women’s long jump, Krishna Poonia and Seema Antil in the discus throw. In the men’s long jump Maha Singh and Hari Krishnan are the ones who can create some flutter while Renjith Maheshwary will lead the charge in the triple jump. Shot putters Saurabh Vij and Om Prakash have a chance as well.
The women’s jumps team was training in Bangalore and they look impressive. Mayookha and Prajusha will be sure shot medal favourites if they maintain their form. Mayookha has been in good form since returning from injury.
It’s always difficult for an athlete to comeback from an injury, especially in India where facilities are not adequate. Mayhooka has recovered well from injury and has produced her best form since then.
She will be competing in both the long jump and triple jump but I feel she has a better chance of winning a medal in long jump than in the triple. In future, I think she should concentrate on long jump rather than concentrating on both the events.
In triple jump you have to cross 15 metre mark to compete with the world’s best. Right now Mayookha is well off it.
Mayookha’s career graph reminds me of my career and I hope the youngster will reach greater heights than I did. I wish and pray that Mayookha goes one step higher and wins the gold in a World Championship. She has got the ability to be on the top and she only needs to work harder.
It is heartening to see so many long jumpers emerging out of Kerala. During my times when I competed with Lekha Thomas and Bobby Aloysius, long jump was a lowly rated event. I’m glad that I could change that scenario.
—As told to Rajesh Pansare
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