Shiva to call it a day after Games

NEWDELHI: I had a crash while competing in Germany and I had a few hairline fractures. I am feeling good now.

SHIVA KESHAVAN, India luger

Competing in his sixth and last Winter Olympics, Indian luger Shiva Keshavan wants to overcome a recent injury and end his international career with a flourish during the Pyeongchang Games, starting this week.

The 36-year-old has decided to call it quits after taking part in the February 9-25 event. “Age wise I think I can continue. Even two medal winners in 2014 Sochi edition were above 40. I have represented India for 22 years, but now I think I need to move on and focus elsewhere,” Keshavan said.

Son of an Indian father from Kerala and an Italian mother, Keshavan was born and brought up in Manali. He is the reigning Asian champion in luge and the speed record holder. He has won Asian Luge Championships in 2011, 2012, 2016, 2017.

Keshavan has been India’s flag bearer in four Winter Games and he said he will miss the honour of “carrying the whole country on his shoulders”.

“When IOA was suspended (during 2014 Sochi), I took part in the opening ceremony as an independent athlete (under IOC flag). Except for that one, I had held the flag in all other Olympics at either opening or closing ceremony.

Very few Indians have taken part in Winter Olympics. Only tennis legend Leander Paes (7 summer Olympics) has taken part in more editions than him.

Keshavan’s best performance in his five appearances has been a 25th-place finish in 2006. This time, he has a personal coach for the first time in his career and received financial support from the government as well as some private companies. Unfortunately, he had suffered a hand injury a couple of weeks back. “I had a crash while competing in Germany and I had a few hairline fractures. I am feeling good now but still not 100 per cent. My event is on Feb 10 and 11, and hopefully, I will be 100 per cent fit by that time,” Keshavan said.