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Last-ditch effort by athletes to secure Olympic mark
NEW DELHI: With July 11, the deadline for qualification to the Rio Olympic Games approaching, the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) plans to give more opportunities
NEW DELHI: With July 11, the deadline for qualification to the Rio Olympic Games approaching, the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) plans to give more opportunities to top athletes to qualify.
So far 18 athletes have made it to Rio, and the AFI is keen to double the number. As the government is clearing proposals at a fast pace, it seems it is keen that the strength of the Indian contingent crosses 100.
Perhaps this could be a reason why distance runners are also getting a chance to compete in Europe. “The distance runners will be travelling to Europe to compete in two three events ,” said AFI secretary CK Valson.
Asked about the move to send athletes to various competition sat this juncture, Valson said requests from the athletes had come in late.
Due to the last-minute rush, it’s uncertain whether top athletes would get suitable events to qualify. Valson agreed but said the federation did not want to deny them a chance.“If athletes get good competition, they might qualify.”
Race walker KT Irfan is among those who will get another chance. The Kerala athlete is ranked fourth in the 20km event, and if he does well in Poland, he might feature in his second Olympics. He was tenth at the 2010 London Games.
Triple jumper Renjith Maheshwary and 200m national champion Dharamvir Singh are among those who will get international exposure in the coming weeks.
Distance runner L Surya, who claimed a double by winning the 5000m and 10,000m at the SAF Games in Guwahati, and Army’s 5000m runner G Lakshmanan will travel to Europe.
National record holder in men’s shot put Om Prakash Singh Karhana will compete in Thailand on July 4.
The four relay teams are also getting a chance to prove themselves. Each relay team has six members, and if all four teams qualify for Rio, 24 athletes will make it to the contingent.
Barring the women’s 4x400m relay team, the men’s 4x400m and 4x100m teams haven’t come close to the Rio mark. The women’s 4x100m team was unimpressive in the just-concluded meet in Kyrgyzstan. The top-16 nations get to compete and the rankings will be announced on July 12.
Valson said the relay teams will compete in Kazakhstan on June 25. Top athletes will also compete in the inter-state meet at Hyderabad, beginning June 28, which is also a Rio qualification event.
