Indian team's long distance running coach Nikolai Snesarev is not only optimistic about the country's chances in the upcoming Airtel Delhi Half Marathon, but he is also confident Indians will set a national record on Sunday.
"Day after tomorrow [Sunday] you will witness new national record. Eleven months ago OP Jaisha clocked one hour 15 minutes in Cochi Marathon and few years ago Sudha Singh managed one hour 15 minutes few years ago in Hyderabad," coach said during a media briefing on Friday. "So this time they can improve on three or four minutes on their previous records."
Nikolai was also pleased with the way the female runners went about their business during their training at high altitudes and colder weather of Ooty, Tamil Nadu.
"The Indian contingent is very dedicated and has been practicing very hard over the past few months. They have been getting up very early and giving their all during the training," he explained.
When asked the Russian native Nikolai on the ongoing saga in his country, he replied "This is very bad." He added that how can fair athletes compete against those who are involved in those things.