Kolkata: Pragyan Prasanti Sahu will aim to secure her place in the Asian Games squad for the 100m hurdles after being selected to represent Odisha at the National Inter-State Athletics Championships. The event is scheduled to take place at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar from June 24 to 28.
Qualification Time Already Bettered
The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has set a qualification time of 13.34 seconds for the Asian Games. Sahu has already surpassed this mark, clocking 13.33 seconds while finishing second in the Federation Cup held in Ranchi last month. This performance came after her participation in the Indian Athletics Series events in Ranchi and Bengaluru, as well as the Asian Indoor Athletics Championships earlier this year.
Sahu's Perspective on Preparation
Reflecting on her preparation, Sahu stated, “The athletics series events we run are mainly to get back into race rhythm. It’s more like practice racing and understanding how to execute in the final.” She added, “In the Federation Cup, I executed well in the heats, and the final was also pretty good. But technically, I didn’t meet the targets I had set for myself. I’ll look to correct that at the Inter-State. I’m aiming for my best race yet. I’ve trained hard and really want to deliver.”
Other Athletes to Watch
Sabita Toppo, who finished fifth in the Federation Cup final, has also qualified for the U-23 Asian Athletics Championships and will be looking to impress. Animesh Kujur continues to draw attention in the 100m and is also part of the 4x100m relay squad. Before the Inter-State meet, Kujur will compete in the 200m at the Indian Athletics Series scheduled for June 13 in Punjab, which serves as the final qualifying event for the Commonwealth Games.
Men's Squad Details
In the men's squad, Lalu Prasad Bhoi and DM Jayaram have been selected for the 100m, while Sarun Payasingh will compete in the long jump. Mahendra Santa has been named in the 200m. Astik Pradhan and Malaya Barik will compete in the 400m, with Barik also part of the 4x400m relay team. Kishor Jena has been included in the javelin throw, and Jasbir Nayak will feature in the decathlon.
Women's Squad Details
The women's squad also includes sprinters Srabani Nanda and Mousumi Ray, both entered in the 100m and 200m and part of the 4x100m relay team. Purnima Hembaram will contest the heptathlon.
