Bungling AFI puts Gowda in a spot

Indian discus thrower Vikas Gowda is improving by the day, raising expectations of a good show at the London Olympic Games. But the ripples of excitement he is causing among the Indian athletic fans, it seems, is not being felt by the authorities in New Delhi.

With the Games a little over a month away, the Athletics Federation of India is pondering over the names of the coaches to accompany the team but it is learnt that Shive Gowda, Vikas’ father and coach, is not in the list, at least till now.

AFI sources said with the deadline for athletes’ qualification still not over, the names of the coaches have not been finalised yet. But as per available indications, Shive’s name has not been included in the list, despite Vikas qualifying for the Games a year ago.

Vikas, though training at John Godina’s centre in the United States, has repeatedly stressed how important it is for him to have his father guide him at major competitions. In fact, Shive was there to guide him when the strapping thrower came up with a fine performance to finish seventh in the World Athletics Championships in Daegu last year.

Vikas has shown his improvement setting a national record, besides becoming the first Indian to win a Diamond League medal this season. Perhaps, it is time for the AFI to take another look at its stance.