You created a national record in the long jump at the Railways Athletics Meet recently. ThrilledIJ
I was in top shape. I was doing quite well before the event. So it was a great effort of 8.09m. When I jumped I knew that it would be a big leap. I think it could have been much more as I made a bad landing. But I am really happy that the new record is in my name. Right now I am awaiting the Athletics Federation of India’s clearance. They have to certify it and I am yet to receive any such message from them. I don’t know when it will be certified.
You had jumped to 7.92m to win silver in the Asian Championships held in July in Pune. How much confidence did that giveIJ
Yeah, I won silver. But I wasn’t really happy as it was not my best performance. I had clocked 8m in the inter-state meet held in Chennai in June.
Also, if you had leapt more than 7.95m, the gold medal winner’s effort, and finished as number one in the Asian Championships, you would have been in the team for the World Championships. Are you disappointedIJ
Yes, definitely. Infact I had competed in a competition in US to qualify for the World Championships. There, I jumped upto 8.12m while the ‘B’ standard qualification mark is 8.10m. But, they said it is a wind-assisted jump. So, I failed to book a berth for Moscow. I was disappointed but it won’t help me. I have to move on and get back to training and do better. I am improving constantly and making leaps around 8m. So I will have my time in future. I have a long way to go.
What is your next targetIJ
I want to do well at the upcoming National Open Athletics Championships (to be held in Ranchi from September 7th). Also, I have my eyes set on the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games next year. My ultimate dream is to win a medal for India at the Olympics.
How much do you think you can jump in coming timesIJ
I have the confidence that I can go upto 8.50m in future.
How did you come into long jumpIJ
I am based out of Chennai. I was just three years old when my father passed away. My mother works in a church and she is everything for me. She has never allowed me to feel sorry about my past. When I was in school almost five years back, I participated in my school’s annual games. After that I started participating bigger events — state and national — and won many of them. That’s how I got into this sport.
I train in Chennai under the guidance of P Nagarajan. Initially my mother used to ask me to focus more on studies. But as I kept on winning in the national level competitions, she realised that I have a good future in the sport. She is happy now.
How do you manage your expensesIJ
like I said, my mother takes care of me. Few months back, I got a clerical job too in Railways. So, financially, it is good now. Also, I am supported well by the government. Recently, our Chief Minister J Jayalalitha (Tamil Nadu) has assigned Rs 25 lakhs for my training. I can use it and show the bill in any bank. So, I am getting help from various quarters.