Hima Das Needs to Focus in Practice Only: Shiny Wilson

GUWAHATI: Former star of Indian athletics Shiny Wilson recently visited Guwahati to take part in the inaugural function of Inter IIT Sports Meet. During this visit Shiny, first Indian Women athlete to reach the semi-finals in Olympics in women’s 800m spoke for a while with The Sentinel where she shared her opinion on different aspects of Indian athletics. Here is the excerpt.

TS: Athletics in India is making steady progress. Do you agree?

Yes. There is no doubt that we are marching forward. Both of our junior and senior athletes are doing very well in different international meets. Our performance in the recently concluded Asian Games was superb. Although in Olympics we didn’t able to win medals but I feel it is now just a matter of time.

TS: How these changes are possible?

I feel there are multiple reasons behind it. The most import one is that Athletics Federation of India (AFI) giving good attention to provide proper facilities to the athletes. During our day’s we couldn’t dream to get a glass of juice even during the national camp. Now players are getting opportunities to train abroad under foreign coach. They also provided food chart which are made in consultation with nutritionist. Another important point is that Government is providing huge support to the federation. Funds are provided to construct stadiums and tracks. Now many states have good stadiums with synthetic tracks which were unimaginable during our times.

TS: Do you feel sports in India need more attention from corporate sectors?

I agree. But at the same time I want to say that corporate sectors have already started to change their mind set. Earlier sports means only cricket to corporate sectors but now the other athletes too started to get similar attention from them. No doubt it’s happened because of fantastic performance of our players in the international arena. See Hima Das. Your girl already bagged good sponsor from a multinational brand and she deserves it. She now doesn’t need to think about her training kits and other accessories.

TS: Hima Das already proves that she is the future star of Indian sports. What will be your advice to her?

I feel, she shouldn’t make any compromise with her daily practice. The girl is very talented and already proved that she is a very good sprinter. Now she just needs to focus on her practice and it is the only way to take her level of performance to next level. I feel Hima is good prospect for Olympic medal.

TS: Now each and every Federation is trying to start franchise based leagues in India. Should AFI take similar steps?

It is not a bad idea. The biggest advantages of these leagues are that our players get the opportunity to play against the top stars of the country on regular basis. It helps them a lot to sharp their skill. On the other hand Franchise leagues also give good financial support to the players.

TS: Any plan to start athletics academy?

Right now I don’t have such plan. Will think about it later.

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