The disappointment of lacking subsequent month’s World Relays due to new journey restrictions imposed on Indians due to surging Covid-19 circumstances within the nation is palpable among the many Indian athletes who would have competed, mentioned dash coach N Ramesh on Friday. “It’s a nasty expertise. We had probability to win a berth for the Tokyo Olympic Games in addition to qualify for the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Oregon, USA,” Ramesh told IANS from Patiala. Since there was no direct flight from India to Poland, the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) had to cancel the tour as there was no alternate route to reach the Polish city of Chorzow, the venue of the World Relays.
The national team, however, will get another opportunity in June. “There is an invitational meet in Kyrgyzstan. Depending on the situation prevailing at the time, it could be a good chance to make cut for the Olympics,” mentioned Ramesh.
The AFI, relying on the scenario, has additionally deliberate to organise the National Inter-State Athletics Championship within the third week of June in Bengaluru. The competitors shall be an Olympic qualification occasion.
The prime sprinters gave ample show of their prowess through the Federation Cup in Patiala in March.
“Four main sprinters are able to clocking 100 metres sprint beneath 11.50 seconds. That gave us purpose to imagine that our relay workforce has probability to make the lower for the Tokyo Olympics,” said Ramesh.
Individually, none of the top male or female sprinters have earned a quota place for the Olympics.
The Olympic qualifying time in the women’s 100m is 11.15 seconds while it’s 10.05 seconds for men. The qualification period ends on June 29.
Ace sprinter Dutee Chand, who has shifted to Patiala from Bhubaneswar for relay practice, will not immediately go back home, said Ramesh.
“At the moment it’s not advisable to travel as coronavirus cases are surging. When the local situation steadies she might go back to Bhubaneswar,” he mentioned.
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