In our male dominated , sports deprived(yeah ok! cricket worshipping) country who does everyone think to be our best bet for a medal at the upcoming Beijing Olmpics in August 2008? None other than our long jump athlete Anju Bobby George. She is a world class athlete having won the gold in Busan Asian Games - 2002. As it is sports other than cricket are neglected in our country, and being a woman sports person is no mean feat. It requires determination & unwavering enthusiasm & we know Anju is made of strong stuff.
There were many firsts for Anju when she won medals at world competitions. Like- she was the first Indian to have won a medal(bronze) ever at the Paris World Championships - 2003 & she was also the first Indian to have won a medal(silver) at the 3rd IAAF World athletics final 2005. Her most recent achievement was being placed 9th in the finals of th11th IAAF World Championships in athletics in August 07.
Though she is mostly know for her long jump prowess, Anju is also a triple jump athlete. Though she may not have won medals for the latter but she came in th 4th place in the Asian games -2002(when she won gold in long jump). One can find more information about this great athlete on her own official website - AnjuBobbyGeorge
And definetly our country has showered her with accolades from time to time. She is an Arjuna Awardee(2002),Padmashree Awardee(2004) & also the winner of the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award(2003).
I wish she does get a medal this year at Beijing & preferably Gold. In last Olympics the Russians wrecked her chances of a medal by jumping over 7.0 m. I wish her goodluck!
No comments:
Post a Comment