National athletics coach Bahadur Singh is not expecting any miracles, but says he will be happy if 14 of his wards, competing in the London Olympics, better their own career best performances in the Games.
Indian athletics contingent includes three jumpers, three runners, four throwers and an equal number of walkers.
While five of them are aware of what it means to be a part of the sporting extravaganza, the rest of them will be competing in the Olympics for the first time. But Bahadur feels they should make full use of the opportunity. “For nine of the 14 athletes, this is their first Olympics. They should make full use of this opportunity to put up a good show. It is going to be a great learning experience for them,” Bahadur said.
Bhadur said track and field events in the Olympics hold special significance and that is why, be it Carl Lewis or Usain Bolt or any other athlete, everybody wants to leave a mark in the Games. Talking about India’s chances in the Olympics, the coach said: “If Vikas (Gowda) improves his personal best, he can achieve a respectable ranking. The same holds true for two women throwers Krishna Poonia, an Asian games winner, and Seema Antil.”
Deccan Herald is on WhatsApp Channels| Join now for Breaking News & Editor's Picks