Asia and India’s number one shot-putter Inderjeet Singh has returned to India, post a five month training stint in the U.S. The 28-year old is all set to participate in his first competition this year at the Federation Cup on April 29.
Speaking exclusively to Sportskeeda, he said, “For the past five months I have been working heavily on my strength and technique. I want to better my personal best at the Federation Cup and hope to touch 21 plus at the Olympics, which will guarantee a medal for India. However, I am taking it step by step. If you see all the throwers across the world, they’re throwing 20 plus, because they want ease into the Rio Games. My target is also the same.”
Last year, he became the first Indian to make it into a World Championship final. The Bhiwani-based thrower remains confident about his training stint. He added, “I learned a lot during my training stint, I’ve started giving climatic conditions, nutrition, recovery rate and the process of overthrowing a lot of weightage. When it’s hot, the body gets dehydrated easily, and the number of good throws will be limited. Hence, recovery rate becomes important. These are key aspects that me and Coach Sir have worked on.”
Milkha or Salman, reason for success is hard work, that’s what India stands for: Inderjeet Singh
Apart from Rio Olympic preparations, Inderjeet also spoke about the ongoing Salman Khan Goodwill ambassador issue. He said, “Honestly, I’m completely focussed on winning a medal for India, that is my goal right now. But, what I can say is be it Salman Khan, Milkha Singh or PT Usha, what’s helped them earn success in life is hard work that is the Olympic motto. Work hard, struggle and bring glory to your country.”
Inderjeet is all set to make his 2016 debut by participating at this week’s Federation Cup. However, the tournament’s legitimacy is being heavily questioned, after an infrastructural lapse, during the Indian Grand Prix. Amiya Kumar Mallick lost out on a potential Olympic slot, due to it as well.
He said, “Since, I wasn’t there it will be unfair for me to comment on the issue. However, the organisers must keep in mind that any mistake will majorly affect athletes. I know Amiya personally, we are both from Indian Oil. I hope he qualifies in the next event.”
He added, “This is only my first step to the Olympic dream, even if I don’t succeed here, I know I will be back in the next edition. My target is to qualify for the final and the give my best to win India a medal.”
Inderjeet is funded by the Anglian Medal Hunt company. who have helped him financially with his Olympic dream.
