AFI sends 40 on 2-month junket to Doha, S Africa

‘‘Training in environments similar to the competition venue will help in preparations for the big event’’, AFI secretary Lalit Bhanot told The Indian Express today. Asked about the size of the contingent, he said, ‘‘Since the federation will send a large number of athletes to Melbourne, it’s important to send them on an exposure trip.’’

There is no international meet in either country, nor will their coaches be involved in the training. And acclimatisation — whether for Doha or for the Melbourne Commonwealth games in March — could have been held anywhere in India. So why the trip abroad?

A top coach travelling with the contingent, one batch of which left today, offered this explanation on condition of anonymity: ‘‘The athletes will be able to get a better diet there.’’

His views were echoed by reigning national shot put champion Navpreet Singh, one of those in the touring party. ‘‘We generally don’t get good food to eat in the camp. The diet will definitely help us to recover faster from heavy training loads.’’

While admitting it was a ‘‘large size’’ contingent, Krishnan covered his tracks by saying that ‘‘if one of those athletes wins medals, it will compensate’’.

That seems like a huge effort, and a large bill, for one medal.