Gowda determined to do well despite money crunch

Ace discuss thrower Vikas Gowada says he is neither "distracted" by the scarcity of funds nor intimidated by the higher rankings of his rivals as the recent good results at the international stage have given him the confidence of delivering at the London Olympics.

Gowda became the first Indian to win a medal at the prestigious Diamond League Series last month during the New York leg when he picked up a bronze with a throw of 64.86m. He also topped the IAAF rankings for a while.

Gowda, who has been training at John Godina World Throws Centre in Phoenix, Arizona for the past three years, is facing a money crunch as the support that has been provided the government covers just one-fifth of his total expenses.

"As of now I have only received funding that will cover about 20 per cent of my expenses. I have been told that I will receive more but I don't know (when). It is a constant issue I have been dealing with but I will not let it be a distraction," Gowda told PTI in an interview from Arizona.

He is considered one the two best bets for India to win a medal in athletics in London -- the other being discus thrower Krishna Poonia, but Gowda does not want to take the extra pressure by focussing on a podium finish.

Asked about the possibility of becoming the first track and field athlete from India to win an Olympic medal, Gowda said, "I am approaching the Olympics as if it were just another meet. Obviously I know it is a huge meet and I hope to use that extra excitement to my advantage.

"Competing well in two Diamond League meets has given me confidence in that I know I can compete against the best," said the 29-year-old national record holder.

Currently, there are 16 throwers above him in the IAAF list, with reigning world and European champion Robert Harting leading the pack with year's best of 70.66m.