CHENNAI: Shiva Keshavan, the Indian luger, recently broke the Asian speed record by clocking 134.3 kmph at the Asian Cup, which was held in Japan. He bagged the first gold medal for India in any international winter sports event. Shiva, however, is not on top of the moon. “To finally reach the point that I have been aiming for in all these years is a tremendous feeling. I feel like I am on top of a mountain and that now I can look towards the higher peaks and set higher goals. I am happy that all my efforts and all the support and wishes of all those who have stood by me have come through so India can now boast of an Asian gold,” he says.
Shiva started luging early. He was selected at a talent scout camp organised by the Indian Luge Association and former world Champion Gunther Lemmerer. He rues the fact that luging is not as popular in India as other sports. “In spite of having 3000 km of the mighty Himalayan mountains in India, which can be turned into the best winter sports territory in the world, India still lags behind in infrastructure. We have amazing natural resources in our country for winter sports and I hope the Government sets up a luge track which will be great for our fledgling lugers, as well as for hosting international events,” he adds.
What seems to be a simple slide down the ice track is actually a highly complex sport. “To compete at the apex level you need to be able to compete with extremely prepared and trained athletes. This requires a high level of physical preparation but it is also a game of mental strength and awareness. Coping with the speeds and gravitational force requires a very quick reaction time and also tremendous concentration since mistakes can be very costly,” he explains. Only recently Nodar Kumaritashvili of Georgia met with a fatal accident, during a training run for the 2010 Winter Olympics. One report suggested it was his relative inexperience that made him vulnerable.
The 30-year-old Shiva is obviously looking forward to the 2014 Winter Olympics. “I look forward to make the best out of the time leading up to the games. I will also be participating in the world cup circuit for race experience,” he says. The Masters degree holder in International Relations, says that he will be more than happy to guide anyone interested in the sport.
“I hold talent scout camps each year to recruit and train young talent. My advice to youngsters is to choose their own path and work towards a goal with determination and perseverance and never give in,” he adds.
What would he be doing if not for luging? “I would probably be into some other crazy sport,” he retorts.