AFI ignored us: Kashinath

There has been no encouragement for javelin throwers, says Armyman

Venting his ire at the Athletics Federation of India for ignoring javelin throwers, Kashinath said they were not given opportunities for better training, with the federation adopting a lackadaisical attitude towards including them in coaching camps.

“I won the bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games but there has been no encouragement from their part. Foreign coaches are brought in for other events but for javelin, there is none,” said the Armyman from Sirsi, who has been training at the Army Sports Institute, Pune.

“Even when they call us for the camp, it is always kept in Punjab, be it winter or summer, when it gets really hot up north,” he said. “I am continuing because I want to do something for the country; even if they ignore us, I will continue to work hard.”

Kashinath, who married Sirsi girl Chaitra on May 29, said his gold medal was a wedding gift. “Soon after my marriage I was back in training, because I wanted to do well here. I could have done better but the rain spoilt all the plans today,” said the 28-year-old.
Kashinath struck gold with a 73.77M throw while he has a best of 77.33, achieved at Hyderabad two years ago.

Kashinath said he hoped to do well in the coming Asian Championship but he has another contest lined up soon after -- the World Military Games in Brazil from July 13. “I have been training hard with these competitions in mind. Hopefully, I will be able to do well.”