Wushu starts to return normal mode: Murali Dhar Chowdhury

Our Sports Reporter

GUWAHATI: The president of the Wushu Association of Assam Murali Dhar Chowdhury feels that the state has great potential in this game. In an interaction with The Sentinel Chowdhury, who is also the Vice President of the Wushu Association of India, said that the game has gradually started to return into normal mode in the State after COVID-19 break. Here is the excerpt.

The Sentinel (TS): What was the impact of COVID-19 in State Wushu?

Murali Dhar Chowdhury: Like the other sports the players of Wushu too had to stop all activities during the lockdown. But there is one advantage in this game as it is divided into two parts-demonstrations (Routine) and fighting (Sanshu). In demonstration there is no chance of body contact and player can train themselves at their home. So they were successful to continue their training during lockdown and participated in national level online Wushu Championship from where we won several medals. However this was not same for the players who take part in Sanshu category.

TS: What is the present scenario of the game in the State?

Murali: We have gradually started training in our different centers. Although our RG Baruah Sports Complex campus is the main training hub but the campus is now closed for outsider because of COVID centre at the Nehru stadium. However some of our other training centres including one at Maligaon have started functioning. Initially parents were not interested to send their children for training but the scenario has started to change gradually.

TS: Tell us about the scenario of the game in the state before the COVID-19.

Murali: We are one of the fastest growing sports in the state. Most of the players come from the rural areas and they are very talented. In sub junior and junior categories we are really doing well in the national circuit. Our players were successful to bring several medals in each of the national championships held in the recent past.

TS: To arrange fund for training is a major problem for most of the State Associations. How are you tackling the problem?

Murali: Yes, in the earlier part it was really very difficult to arrange fund. However in the recent past State Government and Assam Olympic Association extended helping hand towards the State Sports Associations and it gives us a little relief.

TS: What about the future plan of your organization?

Murali: We are in touch with the national federation in this regard and also made request to arrange some international exposure for a group of selected players. If it happens I am sure that some of our players would be able to get training abroad under renowned coaches.

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