‘AFI targets over 30 medals at Asiad’

Bengaluru: Indian track and field athletes bagged a rich haul of 29 medals, including six golds, in the last edition of the Asian Games and in Japan, too, they carry similar expectations. And the Athletics Federation of India has made its intention clear by naming a strong squad of 70-odd athletes.However, with major medal contenders like Neeraj Chopra, Annu Rani and Jyothi Yarraji missing out means the jumbo squad is without some of its biggest names. However, long jump legend Anju Bobby George, who is also the vice-president of the AFI, remains bullish about track and field going past the previous tally. Speaking to select media outlet she expressed confidence in the team. Watch: Neeraj Chopra honoured with ‘Best Male Athlete’ award by AFIGiven that several top contenders are missing, do you fear India might fail to match the previous tally, in addition to challenges of peaking for both the Commonwealth Games and the Asiad?While some marquee names miss out through injury, the contingent is in strong form. Peaking twice within a two-month span is challenging for certain disciplines but the coaching staff planned for that in advance. Athletes capable of double-peaking were selected and paced accordingly.India has medal hopes across several disciplines: men’s and women’s long jump, high jump, middle and long-distance events with athletes like Avinash Sable, and the relay squads. Overall, we expect to improve on our previous tally of 29 medals, targeting between 30 and 32 medals in athletics.From an AFI leadership lens, what has changed since the last Asian Games to drive higher medal counts?The primary reform was ending mandatory centralised camps, giving athletes the autonomy to base themselves where they train best with their coaches. Second, we expanded the domestic circuit to over 40 competitions annually across North, South and North-East regions, reducing travel fatigue and giving emerging athletes competitive representations closer home.Additionally, we initiated genetic testing — analysing both legacy elite athletes and current competitors — to establish benchmarks that will aid talent identification at the grassroots level for the 2030 and 2036 Olympic cycles.Ancy Sojan recently stated she wants to become the first Indian woman to cross the seven-metre mark. How likely is it at the Asiad?We are expecting two medals from women’s long jump through Shaili Singh and Ancy. Ancy has been stable above the 6.70m mark. Both Shaili and Ancy have the potential to cross seven metres at any time. These two are capable of doing it, so Ancy’s target is very realistic.Shaili recently recorded 6.65m at the Indian Athletics Final Series, while Ancy Sojan has also shown strong form. How do you assess their duel at Games?Both are seasoned international performers. Shaili is only 22 and still refining minor technical components on the runway and takeoff, which usually stabilise around age 23, but her trajectory is promising. Ancy is technically mature, exhibiting consistent marks in the 6.70m to 6.80m range. Coach Bobby (Robert Bobby George) and our system have always prioritised timing peak fitness for major championships. Both athletes are peaking at the right time to challenge for the podium together.

Source: Deccan Herald