This week in Spot Light, we will be seeing AFC U-22 championship qualifiers, good news from AITA inspite of burning selection row and one more Olympic qualification.
High Jumper Sahana Kumari Qualifies for London Olympics
Sahana Kumari cleared 1.92m in the recently held National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championship at Hyderabad. Sahana became the 14th Indian Athlete to qualify for London Olympics. The 1.92m jump by Sahana Kumari is her personal best now and also beat national record of the 1.91m in high jump.
She will be the India’s only high jump contingent in the London Olympics. Although medals are not expected from her, it will be great personal experience and proud moment for her.
Somdev, Sania and Rushmi get wild card entries
India is set for their biggest ever feature at Olympic with 7 tennis players
International Tennis Federation on last Tuesday sent a letter to All India Tennis Association (AITA) confirming the wild card entries for Somdev Devvarman in singles, Sania Mirza in mixed doubles and the pair of Sania – Rushmi Chakravarthy in women’s doubles. India will now field their team in all events except in women singles.
Sania Mirza immediately after getting wild card entry, lashed out AITA, Paes and Bhupathi in her press release for ill treatment. Although her statements are justified, but the timing and need of such high voltage attack to the already glowing row at tennis selection is debatable one.
But Sania statements seems to have no effect on Leander Paes participation on Olympics. Leander confirmed his participation in London Olympics, the decision which he stalled after AITA announced doubles and mixed doubles team last week.
With this, the number of Indian contingent at London Olympics is increased to 84 (highest ever).
No Indian swimmer at Olympics?
No Indian swimmers at London Olympics
The four Indian swimmers Virdhawal Khade, Sandeep Sejwal, Aaron D’Souza and Saurabh Sangvekar, who all met the Olympic Selection time in the B qualification standard are not included in the recently released list of International Swimming Federation (FINA).
FINA which released a new list yesterday didn’t include any Indian swimmer name. So, its very sad news for all our swimmers since their chances of participating in London Olympics is almost over. If it is confirmed, then our number of contingent at Olympic 2012 will be reduced to 80 again.
India is in verge of making into first AFC U-22 championship
Coach Arthur Papas
To everyone surprise, Indian football team is making the headlines from the first Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U-22 championship qualifiers. India placed in a tough group along with Iraq, UAE, Oman and Turkmenistan is in the verge of qualifying for first AFC -22 championship to be held on January 2014.
India is placed at fourth position in Group A with 4pts from 3 matches. If India wins their remaining two matches against Turkmenistan (today) and Oman (July 3rd), then India has bright chance to qualify for the main event.
Chak de India!!!
Tags: AFC U-22 championship, Arhur Papas, India U-22 team, Indian football team, Indian swimming, Olympics, Rushmi Chakravarthy, Sahana Kumari, Sania Mirza, Somdev Devvarman
