The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has decided to field Tintu Luku in the women’s 4x400m relay to be held on the final day of the 20th Asian athletics meet.
The decision was made after Tintu’s coach, P.T. Usha agreed to the proposal made to her by the AFI. Tintu is to run the 800m final 4.50 p.m. prior to the relay final at 6.05 p.m.
Besides Tintu, the Indian quartet will include the three runners who represented the country in the 400m — M.R. Poovamma, Anu Mariam Jose and Nirmal.
The AFI secretary, C.K. Valson said the decision was based on calculations that the inclusion of Tintu will boost the country’s chances in winning the gold in the event.
Even gold may not be enough
Even the gold on the morrow, may, however, not assure the Indian relay team in next month’s World championships in Moscow as the IAAF will be making the final selection of 16 teams based on qualifying time which has been set as 3:33.00.
The AFI, as reported in these columns, had made a bid to include Ashwini Akkunji and Priyanaka Pawar, whose ban on account of doping infringement had got over on Wednesday, through the last two days but was not allowed to do so by the technical delegates in accordance with the relevant IAAF rules.
