Even though the race walkers are considered medal prospects for the country in the forthcoming Asian Games, they prefer not to promise too much too soon.
The restriction on the number of entries (two) per NOC in an event provides some hope to the walkers.
However, foreign coach Alexander Artsybashev, who has been instrumental in lifting the performance of the Indian race walkers, is cautious while analysing his athletes’ chances in the Asiad.
“When I came in 2011, there were only two strong race walkers in the country. Now we have an elite group of 15 walkers. Our preparation has been strong.
“The 20km walkers are doing 35km every day and the 50km walkers are doing 60km a day. We will try for the maximum we can do. But I am not promising anything,” said Artsybashev on Sunday, prior to leading a group of four walkers to Incheon.
“Every important competition is a very dangerous war and every athlete is fighting.”
Painting a rosy pictureBasanta Bahadur Rana, who had set a National record (3:56:48) in 50km in the London Olympics, painted a rosy picture.
“Our preparation at Bangalore has been very good and we are not lacking in anything. It is a 50km race and anything can happen over such a long distance.”
The season leader in 50km men’s walk in Asia is Takayuki Tanii (3:41:32), while the best performer in 20km is Yusuke Suzuki (1:18:17) from Japan.
Sandeep Kumar, who clocked 3:56:22 to better Rana’s National record in the IAAF World Race Walking Cup in Taicang, China, in May last, is the best performer for the country this season.
“When I started in 2008 I used to cover 50km in five hours. Now, I am doing three hours 56 minutes. I hope to record a better time in Incheon,” said Sandeep.
Another promising walker K. Ganapathi, who achieved his personal best of 1:22:41 in 20km walk in Taicang, was realistic about his target. “I will try to come close the top three.”
Star 20km walker, K.T. Irfan, who hogged the limelight after his 10th place finish with a National record (1:20:21) in the London Olympics, broke away from this group late last year to train with coach Gurdev Singh at Dharamshala.
Irfan, who has a season best of 1:21:09 in Taicang, will join his fellow team mates in Korea at a later date.
The lone woman 20km walker, Khushbir Kaur, who set a National record in the World Race Walking Cup with a timing of 1:31:40, was satisfied with her preparation.
“The training schedule has been good and I am excited to compete in the Asiad.”
The season leader in women’s 20km walk in Asia is Liu Hong of China (1:26:58).
