It sounds unbelievable but when someone who has worked with the Russian and American teams claims that Indian gymnasts can do it this time, you are compelled to take note.
Indians are not known for their feats in gymnastics. It was not a surprise that the men's team had finished seventh out of nine countries and the women's side had ended up at the 10th and last spot in the Melbourne Commonwealth Games.
However, Russia-born American Vladimir Chertkov, the foreign expert in the Indian coaching staff, asserts that the home team can garner a few medals this time.
“There will be very strong competition. But we have a chance of winning five to six medals. I am looking forward (to how our team performs),” Chertkov told The Hindu on Sunday on the eve of the CWG artistic competitions at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium here.
If things progress as the coach promises, it would be the first occasion for India to win an important international medal in a long time with the exception of the South Asian Games.
All capable
Chertkov, however, would not commit where the medals be won. “We have the same chance in both individual and team competitions,” he said. “All the gymnasts are capable of winning medals.”
The coach clearly places faith in the home support for the Indian gymnasts. “You have the crowd supporting you. You see your parents and family behind you,” Chertkov said underlining the psychological advantage the host side would enjoy.
In the men's artistic section, Rohit Jaiswal, Ashish Kumar, Partha Mondal, Rakesh Patra and Mayank Srivastava will represent the home team. Meenakshi, Priti Das, Roma Joglekar, Dipa Karmakar and Debjani Samanta form the women's artistic side.
The rhythmic unit consists of Kshipra Joshi, Akshata Shete, Pooja Surve.
Meanwhile, among the 18 countries in fray, the main competition will be among traditional Commonwealth superpowers like Australia, England and Canada.
Best athletes
The Aussies have come to the Games with the best of athletes available. If World championship gold medallist Phillipe Rizzo and Commonwealth Games gold winner Joshua Jefferis are part of the men's team, Melbourne Games champion Ashleigh Brennan and Olympian Georgia Bonora are a few strong contenders in the women's side. Olympian Naazmi Johnston leads the pack in the rhythmic event.
The England men's outfit has Olympian Danny Lawrence while Olympians Marissa King and Becky Wing and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Imogen Cairns enrich its women's team.
The Canadians will be spearheaded by Pacific Rim championship silver medallist Tariq Dowers. World Cupper Kritin Klarenbach will be one of the star attractions in the women's competition.
