Qualify for world meet: Joydeep to Hima

KOLKATA: As people across the country hail Hima Das for her five successive gold medals in three weeks in Europe, Olympian shooter

Joydeep Karmakar

advised the ace Indian sprinter not to sit back and bask on her recent glory, but rather focus on the forthcoming

Athletics World Championships

later this year.


The 19-year-old Hima has won four 200 metres and one her pet 400m events in Poland and Czech Republic respectively since July 2.

However, Hima is yet to qualify for both the events for the World Championships, which is scheduled to be held from September 26 to October 6 in Doha.

"We all know that Hima has won five gold medals recently in Europe. But the point is, all the meets she participated in were mediocre and below standard. Winning gold is always special but to win at a competitive event alongside other top athletes is different," Karmakar said at a panel discussing on coaching and motivational strategies conducted by Indian Chamber of Commerce here on Friday. The discussion also involved former India footballer Kalyan Chaubey, ex-cricketer Ranadeb Bose and golfer Indrajit Bhalotia.

"I will ask her (Hima) to keep in mind the Athletics World Championships later this year. She must ensure she qualifies for the meet and the Olympics next year," he added.

Also stressing that cricket is not just the only sport from India to make an impact on global stage, Karmakar heaped praise on his talented protégé and rising shooter

Mehuli Ghosh

.

"What Mehuli has done so far is incredible. At this age the effort she has put in is laudable. I hope she continues her good form and bring more laurels for the country," Karmakar said.

The other panellists Chaubey, Bose and Bhalotia also felt other sports apart from cricket should be given the priority in the country.

"For years we have seen cricket has the No.1 sport in the country. Now it is time for other sports to come up and achieve their position," Chaubey said.