It’s a Catch 22 situation for Indian gymnasts. Top gymnasts are barely aware of the new rules — “new code of points” that the world body approved only last October — but have to perform according to it during the February 6 final selection trial for the Melbourne Games. The venue of the trials is Gurdaspur, where national meet is slated to commence from February 2.As per the “new code of points” the world body had made certain changes in the existing system of evaluating performance at the international level. The scoring system came into effect on January 1, and gymnastics competition of the March Melbourne Games will be held as per new rules.More interestingly, there aren’t any officials either who are well versed in the new rules, leave alone players. The first batch of four judges including three men and one women, is expected to attend a week-long seminar in Japan from January 24. The top players though have been apprised of the change in rules. If those aspiring for a ticket to Melbourne aren’t able to get themselves accustomed to the new rules in a short while, they might not be able to give their best during the final selection trials.Apparently, those attend the Japan clinic will supervise the selection trials.The national competition being held at the same venue will be conducted as per the old scoring system, but the Commonwealth trials will be as per new rules. Also those selected gymnasts will get to know the new rules more thoroughly only during the national camp.But the question remains, will a seven-day clinic be adequate for the judges to apprise themselves with the scoring system, and evaluate properly the performance to select the team?The federation and the experts differ on the issue. Gymnastics Federation of India (GFI) secretary Kan Singh Rathore told The Indian Express that gymnasts would encounter no difficulty on the apparatus during the trials. “All the experts were instructed verbally to train the players according to new system. Top players are training accordingly,” he said.Theoretically, it sounds fine. Practically, even the experts haven’t got any idea of the change in scoring system. Those attending the seminar abroad are likely to give tips to others. “We have new rule book with us. But practically, it’s difficult to learn in a short time,” said one of the experts.Also, despite shortlisting couple of gymnasts for the preliminary preparatory for the Melbourne, the federation has been unable to hold a camp. The GFI secretary argues that since top players were training under their respective coaches, shifting to one venue would have disturbed their training schedule. Barring Allahabad gymnasts who train under foreign experts, other top players may not have the best equipment at their disposal. Thus collective training could have been more beneficial. Taking into account the current scenario, it’s unlikely that the Indian gymnasts will either improve their Manchester standing or will be within the medal bracket.India’s Vikas Pandey, who finished among top six in Manchester, is now in the US. And wouldn’t be representing the country in Melbourne. The GFI has pinned its hopes on Ashish and Mayank, both of whom have been promising juniors, but haven’t shown their skills at the senior/international levels.The women’s rhythmic team is also likely to participate. “Since we host the next Games, we should give exposure to the women’s team,” said the GFI secretary.
