Borromeo hopeful of good show by Indian athletes in Olympics

JAMSHEDPUR: Former Olympian Charles Borromeo on Saturday expressed confidence that India would open its account in the track and field events in the upcoming London Games.
"I am very much hopeful that the Indian athletes will win medals in the London Olympics, as they have good prospect in the track and field events, particularly in walking and discus throw," said Borromeo, who represented India at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
"Delhi Commonwealth Games gold medallist Krishna Poonia, is in tremendous form and performing within the medal-winning range. Besides Poonia, India also has good prospect in the walk event," Borromeo said.
The 52-year-old added that other athletes, who have qualified for the Olympics, were all talented but needed to enhance their performance to be in contention for a medal.
To a query about the prospect of Tintu Luka, protégé of legendary athlete P T Usha, the 1982 Asian Games gold medallist said the athlete needed to improve upon her timing.
"Luka is a talented athlete, but she needs more exposure to raise her performance," he pointed.
Asked about India's dismal performance in track and field events in Olympic Games, Borromeo blamed lack of infrastructure for the athletes' poor show.
"We have deep rooted talent in athletics, including middle and long distance race, shot put, long jump, triple jump, high jump, etc... but we are lacking behind in structural system to nurture the talent.
"We do not lack talent or physique to win medal at any level, but lack presence of structural system to promote sports at the grass-root level," he insisted.