At the fag end of a draining athletics calendar — starting from the Asian Grand Prix, followed by the Federation Cup (Patiala), Asian championship (Bhubaneswar), National inter-state (Guntur) — some of the top athletes have, expectedly, chosen to give the four-day National Open championship, to be held at the Nehru Stadium from Monday, a miss either to take rest or due to injuries.
Those who are participating are doing it for pride and of course, to fulfil the obligation of representing their employers: Services, All India Police Sports Board, Railways, LIC and ONGC.
World junior javelin throw champion Neeraj Chopra, National record holders Dutee Chand (100m), Tintu Luka (800m), Muhammed Anas (400m) are some who have skipped the meet.
Of the few top ones who are taking part, G. Lakshmanan is the most notable. The reigning Asian champion in 5,000m & 10,000m, felt the humid weather may not be ideal for him to do his personal best.
“It’s been only a few days since I returned from the Asian Indoor & Martial Arts Games (Turkmenistan). Though I can’t guarantee my personal best in both due to the prevailing humid weather, I will, as always, give my best,” he told The Hindu here on Sunday.
V.S. Surekha, who set the National record in women’s pole vault (4.15m) in New Delhi in 2014 at the Open Nationals, is taking part, but has been away for the last two years after child birth. She said it will be premature to promise a medal as it has been only two months since she began practising.
“A lot of talented youngsters have come up in the last year or so. I am keeping my fingers crossed,” she said.
Mohan Kumar, the Rio Olympian, however, expressed confidence of doing well in the 400m.
Though he had a moderate 2017, a third position in the inter-State meet at Guntur being his best, the 20-year-old hopes the “home ground” will be a huge positive factor.
Davinder Singh, the lone Indian who qualified for the javelin throw final in the recent World championship, said a recurring shoulder problem will not stop him from performing to his potential.
Old warhorse Om Prakash Karhana is back in the mix. After turning away from shot put — the National record stands in his name — in 2014, the 30-year-old is back with a renewed passion for the sport.
“I gave up as there was no motivation left. But my coach Bhupinder Singh asked me to re-focus. I have started training in full measure since 2016,” said Om Prakash.
With most of the top athletes in its stable, Services is expected to top the medals tally.
