CHENNAI: There have been many recent cases of premier Indian athletes giving the national championships a miss in order to concentrate on bigger events. While it is debatable whether this is disrespectful to the most important event on the national calender, it is true that the move has resulted in some sheen being taken off these events.
But judoka Avtar Singh has a different take. Having already won multiple gold at previous senior nationals, Avtar feels competition is sparse in his category.
There is little doubt over that, and that is why he is giving priority to the Asian Championships to be held from May 26 to 28 in Hong Kong. It is to be noted that Avtar will participate at the upcoming nationals in Chennai from February 25 to 28.
“I’m not saying that the judo nationals is no longer an important event in our calender, for it is our pathway to the national camp, and hence international events. But fact is that I’ve already won the event many times, and feel competition isn’t good. While that may sound arrogant, you have to understand that it restricts my growth.
“That’s why I’ve been focusing more on the Asian Championships, for that is where competition will be tougher, and that will only help me grow as a competitor. Obviously, I’ve to win at the nationals in order to make the Hong Kong squad. So I’ll be ready for the challenge,” the 24-year-old told Express on Friday.
Fitness issues have hampered his progress since the Rio Olympics last August. “I injured my shoulder and wrist in Rio, and training has been bad since. But I’m back to 100 per cent now, and even participated at the recent Police Games and won gold. So I’m confident my career will get back on track starting with the nationals,” the assistant sub inspector with Punjab Police said.
National coach Virender Singh was confident that the best would emerge for the one-month national camp, the venue for which is yet to be decided. “We’re focusing on the Asian Championships at the moment, and I’m sure we will get the best ones to represent us in Hong Kong.
The calender for the year following the continental meet will also be decided after the nationals,” said the coach, who is part of the selection committee for the Asian meet.
raviiyer@newindianexpress.com