The 28-member Indian athletics team is in the final lap of preparations for the Paris Olympic Games commencing on July 26.
Since track and field events will be held between August 1 and 11, the Indian squad will continue training at the Olympic Sports Center in Spala, Poland, till July 28. In an interview with Malayala Manorama, chief coach P Radhakrishnan Nair talks about the Indian athletic team's preparation for the quadrennial event.
Has the full squad reached Poland?
Apart from triple jumper Abdulla Aboobacker and the race walking team, the other members of the squad are currently undergoing training at the Olympic Sports Center in Spala. Their arrival in Poland has been delayed by visa issues of their Russian trainers. Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, who is training in Turkey, will directly reach Paris.
Can you tell us about the team's preparations in Spala?
Everything is going as planned. All the athletes are fully fit and they are eager to do well at the Olympics. The climate in Spala and Paris is quite similar. It is a huge advantage for us.
When will you be travelling to Paris?
The athletic contingent will reach Paris on July 28. Before heading to Paris, we will take part in a Grand Prix event in Spala on July 20. The main objective of attending that meet is to help the relay teams fine-tune themselves for the Games. Competitions will be held in women's javelin throw and hurdles events as well.
What are your expectations from the athletic squad?
Neeraj is India's best prospect to win a medal in Paris and I'm sure he will finish on the podium. The men's 4x400m relay team is in fine form and I'm confident of them doing well. The women's 4x400m relay team, who qualified for the Olympics after a long gap, also has the potential to win a medal.
