Switch to steeplechase was difficult decision: Babar

MUMBAI: Six months before the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, Lalita Babar took the decision to move from marathon to steeplechase event.

MUMBAI: Six months before the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, Lalita Babar took the decision to move from marathon to steeplechase event.

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The move paid off handsomely as she won silver in the Asiad. In the recently-concluded Rio Olympics, Babar created history by becoming the first Indian athlete in 33 years to qualify for an Olympic track and field event final. She eventually finished 10th. The transition from marathon to steeplechase was not easy. “It was very difficult because steeplechase is a technical event and winning a medal in Asian Games within six months is very difficult,” said the Satarabased athlete, who was conferred the Sportswoman of the Year award by the Sports Journalist Association of Mumbai (SJAM) on Saturday.

“It is not just about technique, steeplechase also is an endurance sport. Concentration is very important to do hurdles and water jump,” Babar added.