Athletes eye Rio berths

Poovamma, Akkunji, Sahana to lead State's charge

The numbers are swelling and records are getting crushed with amazing frequency. The officials, naturally, are glowing with pride. With the Olympic Games just round the corner, could the scenario get any better for Indian athletics?

The followers of the country’s track and field had to rub their eyes in disbelief as three big national marks crumbled in the space of three days in competitions in Poland and Kazakhstan. The transformation, thanks to a training stint abroad, would seem almost magical but how long would the magic last is the question as the focus, at least temporarily, turns to a domestic meet.

The 56th Inter-State Championships, beginning at the BMC Balayogi Stadium here on Tuesday, was supposed to be the final meet for Indians to register a qualifying norm for the Olympics. But with meetings abroad lined up before the deadline of July 11, this becomes just another competition – though vital -- offering an opportunity for the aspirants to meet the standards.

Ahead of the Inter-State, 27 Indian athletes have achieved qualifying norms across various events after the addition of Muhammed Anas (400M), Ankit Sharma (long jump) and Srabani Nanda (200M) who came up with spectacular performances in Poland and Kazakhstan. Besides, the women’s 4x400M relay team is a near-certainty for Rio while the men’s 4x400 squad is knocking on the doors, after an incredible 3:02.17 national record in Erizurum earlier this month brought them into the mix. Firm in the belief that numbers indicate progress, the AFI has been making all-out efforts to get the relay teams on board. And this desperation has ensured that the 400M men’s and women’s teams – now training in Spala, Poland – returning in time for this meet, with a squad from Sri Lanka (see inset) being roped in to aid in their quest. The women are placed 13th at the moment and they have to stay within the top-16 teams to make the Rio cut while the men, currently in 20th spot, have to come close to their record time to seal the deal. The form of Anas, who ran 45.40 to set a national record, and that of Arokia Rajiv, will be crucial in that respect with the latter also seeking a qualification in the individual 400.

M R Poovamma and Anilda Thomas have been the standout performers for the women’s quartet and with Tintu Luka – who had planned to skip this meet – joining in only for the relay, India could be expected to clock a good time here to strengthen their case. Poovamma might also attempt qualification in the individual 400, with her season’s best of 52.31 at Bydogoszcz being close to the standard of 52.20.

The other Indian group training abroad -- sprinters and jumpers based in Kazakhstan – were initially expected to take part here but in a change of plans, they will be competing in another competition on July 4 and 5 in that country. As such, the entry of 400M runners adds some gloss to this meet, which would have been bereft of all star presence, especially with the wards of long-distance coach Nikolai Snesarev – Lalita Babar, Sudha Singh and O P Jaisha – also giving it a miss.

The entry list though features a big man who has raised the spirits and standards in the past. Inderjeet Singh has been preparing in his quiet way and the giant shot-putter’s performance will be keenly watched. He had spoken of a strong showing in Rio but has hardly competed in the Olympic year and would certainly love to go past the 19.17 he achieved in the Federation Cup back in August.

From Karnataka’s point of view, the return of Poovamma and Ashwini Akkunji – also part of the Poland batch -- is good news. Boosting them further is the presence of high jumper Sahana Kumari, who has been training in Ukraine, working hard to make the Rio cut. Four years back, Sahana raised the bar and booked a ticket to the London Games at this very venue. An encore will be on her mind as the number-game continues.