Budding hope in the youth race walk, Binsi AM hailing from Vadakara will represent the nation at the Asian School Athletic meet slated to be held in Malaysia from September 15.
Binsi, who finished first in the 3-km race walk competition with a new national record in the Junior National Athletic Championship is now preparing for the prestigious Asian school Athletic meet at a camp in Pune. When she set the national record in 2011, she clocked 14:41 in the race in which talented athletes across the nation took part.
According to Binsi, a 13 time gold medalist in the School National Games, what matters in race walk is to maintain the relaxation level. “Always maintaining a calm persona could be tough for a sports person, but in here we have to keep a proper emotional level,” she smiles. “I am thankful to my family for lending their whole-hearted support and care,” she says. She finished first in the 3-km race walk competition in the National School Games held at Punjab with a national record that nobody has.
“For her it might really be a tough competition but I am sure that she will come out with flying colours,” says her father Gopalan, a labourer. “Honestly speaking, I do believe that if she gets proper backing from the government, she can do wonders at the track,” he says.
“Though we fail to provide better infrastructure for her to grow as an athlete my prayers will always be with her,” said her mother Bindu. Currently, Binsi is practicing under coach VP Haridas at Maniyur Higher Secondary School.
“When Binsi joined in Maniyur Higher Secondary School she never thought of stepping in sports events. It was her coach Haridas who identified her talents in walking. “I encouraged her to focus on walking because she has been blessed with long limbs and a mind with coordination to maintain her body movements, he says. “I was surprised to see her commitment to the event, she is hardworking and highly talented. During practice time I never see her completely exhausted,” he says. For the last four years he has been refining her techniques. “Binsi also maintains an excellent academic record as well,” says her coach. Though she has bagged several gold medals for the nation, the authorities concerned have offered nothing to help her.