Famed former Indian athlete PT Usha feels that the lack of exposure at the highest level is one of the reasons for the country's athletes' inability to conjure many medals at the biggest stage.
"Our athletes need competition," stressed PT Usha. "Everything is fine till the national level, they get proper competition. But they need proper competition after performing well at the national level," she added.
Usha believes that the Indian athletes are up for the challenge at the top, but they need to compete with elite athletes in premium competitions in Europe such as IAAF World Athletics Final and Diamond league to match their level.
"Before participating in competitions like Asian Games, Asian Championship, Olympics, World Athletics Championships, the kids need to participate in European competitions with the top athletes. Performing with the top athletes on a daily basis will make them better and ready for the major events," said Usha, who was present here at the curtain raiser of the Asian Athletic Championship scheduled to be held in Odisha from 5th-9th July.
The Payyoli Express, who won four Gold medals at the Asian Games, feels the infrastructure for runners have improved in the country since her time and the budding athletes now have the chance to grow from the grassroot level.
"Things have improved a lot from the time I used to run. I never saw a synthetic running track before I went to Moscow - 1980 Olympics - but now it's in abundance all over the country. Giving kids the right facility to train the proper way," she added.
Usha hoped that Indian athletes will win more Gold medals in Asian Athletics than the last time — 13 medals in Wuhan (China) in 2015.
"Since the competition is happening in Bhubaneswar, India should win more medals this time," said the former runner.
Another track and field Indian legend who was also present at the event was retired long Jumper Anju Bobby George.
"The senior athletes have failed to bring the medals. So we need to focus on nurturing the junior athletes now. I am focusing on finding the talent and nurturing them for future through my academy," said the long jumper, who narrowly missed on an Olympic medal in 2004.