CHENNAI: If things fall in place, 2010 Asian Games gold medallist Bajrang Lal will become the National Observer for rowing. He is currently coaching the Rajasthan team at the 21st sub-junior and 3rd inter-state challengers sprint national rowing championships.
After retirement from the Army, the 37-year-old was appointed coach of the rowing academy in the city of Kota in Rajasthan, a post that he still holds. It was during the recent Khelo India programme that Bajrang was approached for the new role. "Some officials in Delhi told me there are to plans to make me a national observer. There are few meetings and discussions to be held and nothing is confirmed as of now. Two-three days back, before coming to Chennai, they called and asked me to take a look at some talents and basically scout," Bajrang told Express.
The first Indian to win an individual rowing gold at Asian Games feels the sport is not very popular and things will only start improving if India win more medals at the top level. But he is more concerned about the lack of rowers with good physique. "The sport is slowly picking up. This is the first time that Rajasthan is participating in a national-level championship. There are many entries this year. That's a positive sign. But what I am worried about is the physique of the current generation. We need to find more people who have good strength and endurance. That's an aspect we are seriously lacking in," he added.
As age is catching up with senior rowers like Dattu Bhokanal, this is the right time to start looking for talent with the future in mind. "We need to identify them at a young age, when there is room for improvement. Only if we start now, we will able to groom them for the big stage. At the 2014 Asian Games, I was surprised to see our rowers not performing up to their level, after doing so well in 2010. But that's in the past. Lots of things have changed since the foreign coach took over. Going by timings, India has a great chance of winning medals this time."
vimalsankar@newindianexpress.com