Date:14/01/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/01/14/stories/2005011406052000.htm

Sport - Athletics

Anju hoping for a full-time physio

By Our Special Correspondent

MUMBAI, JAN. 13 . Anju George, who is ready to take part in the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon's `Dream Run' event along with husband-cum-coach Bobby George and other celebrities, is hoping to hire a full-time physio and make her athletic dreams come true in the long jump pit. Asked about her plans for the coming season, the Olympian talked about the need for external inputs to aid her break the seven-metre barrier. "We are lacking a physio, not coach or trainer. If we could get a full-time physio that would be great," said Anju, revealing that she would need Rs. 50-60 lakhs sponsorship for best training and technical backup.

The long jumper, talked about competing in eight to 10 events, starting with a meet in Osaka (Japan) this May, followed by Doha (Qatar), two competitions in the United States, European GP, Helsinki World Championship, Grand Prix and Asian Championships at Busan (South Korea).

Bobby George, winner of the Dronacharya award, stressed the need to have a base in Europe once the season begins. Anju, focussed with the seven-metre target, has actually crossed the distance twice in training, once before Athens, apart from 6.90m jumps at least 25 times. "At that time, we were in a position to win an Olympic medal but things went wrong," she said, recalling the Athens leap.

"We have enough potential at junior levels, but they need the right guidance," stated Anju, singling out Bengal high jumper Harishankar Roy and Kerala triple jumper Ranjit. Bobby felt that Indians had better chances to close the gap with international athletes in jumps and middle distances.

He also confirmed that he would be coaching Anju full time, explaining that if she achieved international glory an entire nation would be inspired. Bobby said his wife, approaching 28 in April, has two to four years of top-level competition left.