Budding hope in youth race walk, Binsi A M, hailing from Maniyur in 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 from across the nation took part. According to Binsi, a 13- time gold medallist in the School National Games, what matters in race walk is to maintain the relaxation level. “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 on the track,” he says. “ Though we are unable to provide better infrastructure for her to grow as an athlete, my prayers will always be with her,” says her mother Bindu. Currently, Binsi is practising under coach V P Haridas at Maniyur Higher Secondary School. “When Binsi joined Maniyur Higher Secondary School, she never thought of stepping into sports events. It was her coach Haridas who identified her talents in walking. I encouraged her to focus on walk because she has been blessed with long limbs and a mind with coordination to maintain her body movements,” says Haridas. “I was surprised to see her commitment to the event. She is hardworking and highly talented. During practise 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,’’ he says. Though she has bagged several gold medals for the nation, the authorities concerned have offered nothing to help her.