Big squad with small goal

Athletics: Asking for the moon

With the AAFI training its guns on the forthcoming ATF meet in Colombo and the subsequent Asian Games in Busan, it has kept the number to bare minimum. The five-member team has one man and four women. But hoping a medal from them is asking for the moon.

At best, the Games should provide them with some confidence and exposure for meets ahead. Navpreet Singh, Neelam J Singh, Anju B George, Bobby Aloysius and Hardeep Kaur will lead India8217;s challenge.

Shuttlers: Feather in the cap

Ever since the introduction of 7-point scoring system, the Indians, including former All England champion Pullela Gopichand, have been struggling to find their feet.

With Gopi just having recovered and Aparna Popat, the No 1 Indian, out of match practice, the task will be difficult. Of course, barring a miracle. It8217;s another matter, the Indian girls won a team silver and Gopi a bronze at Kuala Lumpur. But then the new scoring system was not in vogue then!

Boxing: Hunting in odd numbers

Three good prospects in Dingko Singh, Jitender Kumar and Harpal Singh. The first is an Asian Games gold medallist and the second narrowly missed a bronze at Sydney. Harpal has grown in stature but since he is in the higher weight category, the competition will be tough.

But the question remains how fit they are: Dingko joined the Shilaroo camp after a lot of persuasion and Jitender had just recovered from some trouble. For youngster Mohammad Ali Qamar and the rest of the squad, the Games will will prove to be a good exposure opportunity.

8216;Exposure8217; for the gymnasts

In fact, the Gymnastics Federation had named five men and four women in its squad. But IOA struck off the women8217;s names, who had absolutely no chance at the Games. That does not mean that the men are in the reckoning. They are just here for 8216;foreign exposure8217;.

Hockey: Running in circles

Realistically speaking, there is a glimmer of hope, in spite of our women failing to qualify for the Athens Olympics. But going by the track record, the team can spring a surprise or two. The simplest thing to do for it is to put the loss against the US in the qualifier behind them and play to its potential. Minimum expectation: A semi-final slot. Maximum: A bronze. Both within its grasp.

Shooters: Eyeing success

In spite of the ministry clearing three shooters two in double trap and one in air pistol, of late, the shooters have belied the Indian hope, particularly after their poor showing in the World Championships at Lahti Finland.

The memory is so ripe that hazarding any guess is loaded with risks. The main prospects will be Anjali Vedpathak, Abhinav Bindar and the double trap team.

Judo: Just for the kicks

Once the preserve of Asian countries, the game has spread its wings in European and most Commonwealth countries. Like in boxing, the JFI is mostly relying on its lighter weight category judokas and the presence of Brojeswari Devi and Kamla Rawat in the women8217;s section is a real boost.

TT: A maiden cause

It8217;s a first-time event in the Games. Our men8217;s team is quite strong and can cast a shadow or two on topnotchers 8212; England and Canada 8212; at the competition. But then the Nigerians have come up by leaps and bounds.

The only silver lining is the Indians finished second behind Nigeria at the Commonwealth TT championships and their women won a bronze at the New Delhi event last year.

Lifters: Burden of expectations

This is one event that can really lift India to the first 10 positions among the 72 countries. The return of Kunjarani Devi has been nullified by the absence of Karnam Malleswari, who is focussing on the Asian Games.

There are stalwarts like Chanu and youngsters like Pujari Shailaja and not to forget Neelam Laxmi and Prasmita Mangaraj. Even the men8217;s squad comprising T Muthu, Satish Rai and Vickey Batta can bring laurels. On a rough count, 25 medals, if not more, are within our lift!

Wrestling: Stronghold area

This sport has been one of our main medal hopes in international meets. Anil Mann and Sujeet Mann are bright prospects and with Shokinder Tomar out of the squad, the Indians can still grapple with whatever number they have provided they have a favourable draw!