Pune has lots of talent which is going to waste due to lack of practice halls for gymnasts, says Harshad Kulkarni

If the government can provide facilities like halls where gymnasts can practice regularly it will be great.

Harshad Kulkarni, international gymnastics coach, national judge, Maharashtra technical committee member, believes there is tremendous talent in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, but what is needed is the right channel to ensure gymnasts reach the world stage.

Harshad Kulkarni, international gymnastics coach, national judge, Maharashtra technical committee member (HT PHOTO)

What is the level of performance that gymnasts are at in the city?

We have a lot of talent which is going waste due to the lack of practice halls for gymnasts. Gymnastics in the city is good, but it can be made the best with help from the government. If the government can provide facilities like halls where gymnasts can practice regularly it will be great. We have seven academies which are also private academies but don’t have one from the government. The city has a lot of potential. Maharashtra Amateur Gymnastics Association holds all the trials at the Maharashtra level. The association needs to boost organising national and intercity events. They need support from the government to make gymnastics more widespread and involve more youth in the sport.

What facilities are available in Pune for gymnasts?

Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad had only a single academy for gymnastics earlier, but now, we have seven where professional and educated coaches train the young gymnasts. The best thing about gymnastics is that it can be started at a very early age - two years - and gymnastics is the mother game to develop complete body strength, flexibility and fitness. Aerobic gymnastics has the best scope internationally, but a lot of work needs to be done on this.