Ready to defend title

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Amid heavy rain and hostile weather, a group of Kerala athletes is training diligently at the Lakshmibai National College of Physical Education at Kariavattom in the capital. Their aim is to defend the National Inter-State Athletic Championship.

The Kerala state team of 59 players will soon leave for Hyderabad to take part in the 52nd National Inter-State Athletic Championship, and is at present undergoing a camp at the LNCP Kariavattom campus.

The championship is from June 23 to 26. Kerala are the winners of the last two editions of the national championship and will keenly attempt defending the title this time also.

“The preparations are in full swing at the camp. All the team members are fit, and everything is going fine. There is a lot to hope from the athletes,” says K.I. Gopalakrishna Pillai, the chief coach of the athletic camp that started on June 15 and ends on 19.

Though rain has played spoilsport in the training schedule, athletes are confident of showcasing their best in the meet. If everything goes well, there is a chance for a podium finish for the state this time also, he said.

However, it will not be an easy task, he says. “As Olympics is round the corner, several athletes who have qualified for the international meet will find it as a trial meet to hone their skills and techniques. So, there will be a tough competition from the other states too,” he says.

Several of the famed Kerala athletes, who have qualified for the Olympics and are looking for success at their qualification meet, will also be taking part, along with other budding youngsters.

“Though the athletes are aiming for Olympics, they are not in the camp, they will join us at Hyderabad. Only after knowing who all are taking part, a correct picture of the athletic meet could emerge,” said Gopalakrishna.