Indian para-cyclists aim to repeat sweep of all three medals at Asian Championships
The India team will aim to repeat its unparalleled feat of securing all three podium finishes in the Asian Para-Cycling Championships, when the 2018 gets under way here at the Wunna Theikdi Sport Stadium here in Naypyidaw, Myanmar on Friday.
Led and inspired by Aditya Mehta, India had annexed all the three medals on offer during last year’s edition in Bahrain. 25-year-old Abhishek Shekhu pocked the gold, Divij Shah another silver while Harinder Singh the bronze to make it an all-Indian affair.
“We have been preparing for this championship for a long time. It was a well regimented, planned training that should make us favourites this year too,” Aditya Mehta, who is also the coach of the Indian paracycling team, said before leaving for Myanmar.
“The Cycling Federation of India (CFI) has approved all our requests and has been really supportive,” he added.
In Myanmar the Indian team will be represented by last year’s medallists Divij Shah and Harinder Singh. Kaigoulal who returned empty-handed last year will give it one more shot this year.
Gurlal Singh is also expected to be a strong contender after showing great promise at the trials and practice sessions.
Meanwhile, the Indian contingent will also field a strong duo in hand cycling, with the duo of Madhu Bagri, a former national wheelchair tennis champion who has shifted her focus to para-cycling and Prashant Arkal accompanying her in leading the charge at the Championships.
“We are in top shape and feel really confident as we go into the tournament. I personally will look to change the colour of my medal from silver to gold this time,” a confident Divij Shah said.