THE GIST
the team and give others a chance as I don’t want you to push everywhere so that we can move forward. But there was a little bit of pressure because of our failure in the heats.
“It was a bit dicey running with the USA as they run below three every time.
They may have 10-15 others who are at this level. We don’t have that kind of luxury as we get people with 46 timing (soon after us). At the moment, we have six 45 runners and a few who can do 46.
“Since the workout load is more, you feel the impact. I hope the team will peak by the Olympics and we will not have any issues. We have got the boys, but we have to be careful about injuries. There is enough time. I take a month to get back my tness, but everybody is dierent. Everybody is t, but we have to be careful so that no one gets injured. If something major happens, it takes away six to eight months which is very risky.”
The women’s side, including Rupal Chaudhary, Jyothika Sri Dandi, M.R.
Poovamma and Subha Venkatesan, after its initial failure, grabbed the second opportunity to book a ticket with a time of 3:29.35 and qualify for Paris 2024. Qualication of both the men and women has raised the hopes of the Indian mixed team qualifying for the Olympics through the Asian Relays on May 20 and 21.
“The Asian Relays are there and we can get the mixed relay quota there in Bangkok. Hopefully we will do well there,” said a condent Ajmal.
Nair agreed. “We are well placed in Asia. Our mixed relay team should qualify. Also, we don’t have to bother about acclimatisation and we can leave for Bangkok just two days prior,” said Nair.
Jacob felt that the Athletics Federation of India and Sports Authority of India supporting the camp was an essential ingredient in the success
We are well placed in Asia. Our mixed relay team should qualify. Also, we don’t have to bother about acclimatisation RADHAKRISHNAN NAIR