CHENNAI: The Indian wushu players have put up yet another eye-opening performance, this time at the 8th Sanda World Cup in Xian, China, grabbing 5 medals (4 silver and 1 bronze) to finish an impressive finish fourth on the table.
The inability to win that elusive gold is the only grey area, but it is not something that acutely worries chief national coach Kuldeep Handoo. “Ten years ago, we were nowhere near beating China, the powerhouses in wushu, and also it’s inventors. But now, we’re able to reach major tournament finals, which in itself is an accomplishment. Sanathoi (Devi) has won silver at the last three big events, including Xian (to Luan Zhang in the women’s 52kg event), and all three times she has lost to a Chinese opponent. Maybe we’ll finally win gold at the 2017 World Championships in Kazan, Russia,” the coach from Jammu & Kashmir told Express.
Pooja Kadian, lone bronze winner in the women’s 75kg category, felt lack of preparations were also a contributing factor. “I’m not happy with my performance, for I lost to someone who I had beaten last year. But I really can’t gripe, for I had just recovered from typhoid, and couldn’t really focus during training. Overall, finishing 4th is a big achievement, and we can only improve from here,” she said.
Other silver winners were Monika (women’s 56kg), Surya Bhanu Pratap Singh (men’s 60kg) and Uchit Sharma (men’s 52kg) in the 18-nation event. And Uchit, who lost to Arnel Mandal of Phillipines in the 52 kg final, vowed to come back stronger in Kazan. “Injuries on my eye and leg hampered me in the final against Arnel. I know I can do better, and I’m confident I can win gold at the worlds next year. I’ll begin preparations soon, and know my experience will help when the time comes,” said the armyman.
Kuldeep, meanwhile, revealed an extensive programme is being conducted to ensure smooth transition from junior to senior level. “Apart from the 2017 worlds, the 2018 Asian games is also a big target for us. We have come up with a system where we put talented juniors with seniors, and let them train together. This will help them grow gradually, while also gaining experience and building their skillset.”
A venture for the future, and something that can lead to golden success as well.
raviiyer@newindianexpress.com