Asiad silver medallist Khushbir Kaur credits coach for improvement

Khushbir Kaur

New Delhi, Nov 4 (IANS)

Asian Games race walking silver medallist Khushbir Kaur Tuesday credited coach Alexander Artsybashev for her improved performance and hoped that under his tutelage she will realise her "ultimate aim" of winning a medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Khushbir became the first Indian woman to clinch a medal in the 20 km race walk when she won silver in Incheon. She bettered her personal best and set a national record, clocking one hour and 33.07 minutes, to clinch the second spot.

"Our national coach has improved my performance a lot. Since he has taken over, he has taken care of our nutrition and diet. His training schedule is very different. His training method is unique and it suits me. He never exerts pressure. Under him my performance has improved gradually," she told IANS on the sidelines of the 54th National Open Athletics Championships.

Alexander, who hails from the Siberian city of Chelyabinsk, has been coaching the Indian race walk team since 2011.

Khushbir is currently focussed on achieving consistency and steady improvement in her performance in the several intermediate events leading up to the Olympics.

"I will participate in six or seven international competitions before the Olympics and I want to steadily build-up my performance keeping an eye on Rio," she said.

"In March, there is Asian Walking Championship, then World Athletics Championships, World Walking Cup, World Walking Challenge Cup. Performance in these events will be important. Participating in these competitions will also increase my international experience," said Khushbir.