Geethu Anna Jose’s sudden announcement that she would be available for the Incheon Asian Games has caught the basketball fraternity across the country by surprise.
The 29-year-old Geethu, who has been recommended for the Arjuna Award, has been keeping a low profile since her marriage in January strengthening the impression that she was about to quit competitive basketball. However, she told the media here on Tuesday that she intended to represent the country in the Asian Games in September.
Geethu had skipped the national camp for the Asian Games, which is going on in full swing in Noida, to concentrate on her job and family. The national camp under Spanish coach Francisco Garcia is in its final stages and the team is preparing for an exposure trip when Geethu has now evinced interest to play for the country in the Asian Games.
However, the BFI was not aware of Geethu’s plans and came to know of it only through newspaper reports. The BFI sources said it is unlikely that she would be picked for the camp as the camp is nearing its end and a less than fit Geethu could be a liability for the team.
Geethu, who works with Indian Railways, recently got a promotion and has requested for a transfer to Thiruvananthapuram. In the course of her interaction with the media, she also announced her intention to play for Kerala in the National Games to be held in Kerala in January.
But, Geethu is yet to complete the transfer formalities though she has time as the rules stipulates that she needs to register only six months before the start of the games. Even if she completes the formalities, Geethu will have to race against time to regain top fitness before the National Games.
