Poonia sets modest target

The Commonwealth Games champion, who led an Indian sweep of the podium-places last October in New Delhi, has been recovering from a knee injury and the Bangalore meet will be her first competitive appearance of the season.

“I am fit now but I have started my throws only about ten days back and so I am not expecting a big performance here,” said Krishna.

Accompanied by her husband and coach Virender Poonia, Krishna, sporting a brace on her left knee, went through her paces in a measured manner at the Sree Kanteerava stadium, winding up the session with a series of throws.

“I don’t feel any pain now and that fear factor also is not there. I feel fit and I need to strengthen the knee a bit now,” said Krishna who ended last season with a bronze-medal winning show at the Asian Games in Guangzhou.

Krishna said she resumed training in March, with the stress on fitness.”We talked to several experts and decided against surgery. The return has been a slow and steady process, with the stress on fitness drills in the early part.”

“This event is like a medical check-up for me, hope I’ll pass this test,” said Krishna, who has a best of 63.69 metres.

“With just ten days of training, I can’t promise that I will throw 65 metres. If the knee stays alright, the road ahead is bright for me,” added Krishna, stressing that her bigger goal is the Olympic Games next year.

Virender, meanwhile, said Krishna would be going for the Asian Championship only if she can touch her normal range.

“If you can’t perform up to your standard, there is no point in going there,” stressed Virender, who disclosed that they have plans to train in the United States again later in the season. Krishna had trained in United States under former Olympic champion Mac Wilkins last year ahead of the Commonwealth Games.