Vikas set to miss CWG

Discus thrower Vikas Gowda is unlikely to defend his title in the upcoming Commonwealth Games if the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) sticks to its stand of making it mandatory for athletes to participate in the Federation Cup next week.

The AFI has made it clear that to be considered for the Commonwealth Games selection, it is must for an athlete to participate in the Federation Cup. In fact, the participation is mandatory for even those who have already qualified for the Commonwealth Games.

Around 700 athletes are expected to participate in the Federation Cup after which the AFI selection committee will decide on the team for the Commonwealth Games to be held from April 4-15 in Gold Coast, Australia.

The US-based Gowda has not entered for the Federation Cup, which takes place in NIS, Patiala from March 5-8. He has not participated in any event this year and is preparing for the season ahead. According to sources close to the athlete, coming to India at this time would upset his preparations.  Gowda had won the 2014 Commonwealth Games gold with a throw of 63.64m.  

"We have made it clear that athletes will have to take part in the Federation Cup to be picked for the Commonwealth Games. This stands even for those who have already qualified or have crossed the qualifying mark or are National record-holders," the AFI secretary C K Valson said.

So far only the team of racewalkers have been announced by the AFI. The federation had picked a four-member team -- two men and two women -- in 20km following the National Championships on February 17-18 here.