Within limits,but London still remains a dream

“I should be happy with my performance but I am not. I wanted to meet the A standard of 1:33:30 but I did not do well in the later stages of the walk. I could have done better. A slight change in the technique and good preparation would certainly help us,” said Khushbir.

Among the men,Irfan KT of Kerala won the race,setting a new meet record of 1:22.14,more than seven minutes faster than the previous record of PS Jalan (1:30:17.3) — and,more importantly,finishing well within the Olympic A qualification standard (1:22:30). “I wish it was a designated meet for Olympics. Now we will have to wait for the IAAF World Race Walking Cup that will be held in Saransk (Russia) next month. I would have to do it all over again but I am ready for the challenge,” said the armyman.

Surinder Singh,who has twice achieved the B standard of 1:24:30,repeated his performance here with a timing of 1:22.37 but still remains out of contention for a London berth,since two Indians — Gurmeet Singh and Baljinder Singh — have already qualified with A standard timings.

“I am sure we can repeat the same performances in Russia and I don’t see why I can’t be the third walker in 20km to qualify,” Surinder said.

Joseph misses by a whisker

In the 400m hurdles,national champion Joseph Abraham’s set a new national record of 49.98 seconds but fell short of the B standard by 0.18 seconds. “I am satisfied with my performance. I am facing some problem in finishing but keeping in view today’s performance,I am sure I will qualify for Olympics in the European meets,” he added.

Bineesh Jacob of Kerala cleared 4.80m to win in men’s pole vault. Uttar Pradesh’s Chandrodaya Narain Singh won the hammer throw,hurling to a distance of 67.78m. In javelin,Rohit Kumar threw to 76.73m to win gold.