[1]They are the champions who have not only set the stage ablaze with their exploits in 2010 but have lots to look forward at the dawn of the new year.
Ace shuttler Saina Nehwal had an awesome year, claiming almost everything — gold at the Commonwealth Games, besides a string of Super Series victories. But the 20-year-old is not done yet. “The year 2011 is the qualifying year for the London Olympics in 2012. So, the competition is going to be intense,” says the Hyderabadi. Her stupendous show has given enough reasons for her fans to believe that the World no. 4 can achieve the pinnacle in world rankings.
When the talk is about champions, Gagan Narang can’t be far behind. Gagan has many firsts to his credit. He was the first to qualify for the Beijing Olympics in 2008 and repeated the feat for the London Olympics too. His rollicking year included four golds at the CWG, two silvers at the Asiad besides many in other esteemed events. “I will be looking to improve my performances in 2011 and keep myself fit for the 2012 Olympics,” Gagan mentioned. With many international tournaments in the calendar to fine-tune his talent, the country will expect nothing but the gold each time Gagan enters the shooting range.
His city mate, Asher Noria, who has had a good run last year will be yearning to join the season-pro for a place in the London Olympics in 2012.
Archery got a shot in the arm when Ritul Chatterjee and Ch Jignas won silver in the compound category of CWG. The dynamic duo who train at the VMC Volga Academy in Vijayawada will be gunning for gold for their departed coach Ch. Lenin who badly wanted his wards to win an Olympic gold. “We will want to do it for Lenin sir,” pledged the pugnacious pair after their coach was killed in a road accident in October last.
With the cricket World Cup round the corner, Pragyan Ojha, part of the preliminary Indian squad would want to make a mark on the turning tracks of the sub-continent.
Links:
[1] http://archive.asianage.com/new-heights-champions-311210jpg-158