After inter-state gold,Arjun targets Asian glory

Comeback from the brink

The day was special for this stocky athlete,one who is never short of a smile. Five years ago when Arjun injured his collar bone while competing with budding wrestlers in a junior competition he first thought his career as a sportsman was over. The Delhi boy,the son of a police constable,still wanted to compete. So he decided to put his strength to good use and turned to the discus throw.

Today,he has the reputation of being among the best junior throwers in the country. On Saturday,he enhanced it further by winning his first gold at a senior event. Delhi-based Arjun earned his spurs when he won silver at the Youth Olympics in Singapore last year. But what level of success he would achieve when he competed against the big boys was a question he answered on Saturday.

The big-daddy of them all –Vikas Gowda – the national record holder in the event wasn’t competing in Bangalore. Gowda,based in the United States,was given exemption but his form was evident when he touched a distance of 64.91 metres,just four centimeters short of his national mark,at Chula Vista in California.

“Other than Gowda,most of the top throwers were here so I am extremely happy with my effort. This was a big event for my career and I have been able to better some of the senior throwers. This gold has given me a lot of confidence. Hopefully,my effort will be considered good enough for a place on the Indian team for the Asian Championships next month,” Arjun told Sportline.

Need more exposure

Suresh Yadav,Arjun’s coach believes that his ward has the potential to continue his good form. “He is making steady progress. The gold at the National meet should motivate him further. Arjun has shown the mental strength and the skill to match senior boys,which is a very positive sign,” Yadav said.

Arjun is now looking forward to participating in more competitions abroad. “The more exposure I get the better it will be for me. Competing on the international stage gives one a lot of confidence. I like to believe that this gold at the national meet where I set my personal best is a stepping stone to bigger achievements,” Arjun added.