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     Seema_surya Junior Artist Username: Seema_surya Post Number: 381 Registered: 11-2013 Posted From: 49.207.166.137 Rating: N/A |
Good news for city athletic fraternity for the 26-year-old Manikanta Raj has been selected for the Indian athletic contingent for the Commonwealth Games to be held at Glasgow at Scotland in July. Fondly known as Mani in the domestic circuit, this gangling athlete, who trains at Railway Mini Stadium, is enthusiastically preparing for his first major international event in both 100 and 200m events. âI made it to the Indian contingent owing to my best timings registered at the senior national meet at Lucknow, a selection meet for CWG. I clocked 10.52 seconds in the 100m and 21.30 seconds in the 200m to seal my berth,â said Manikanta, in a telephonic conversation with The Hindu. Mani, who works in the commercial department of Vijayawada Division, deserves a huge pact on his back for he is a self-made athlete. However, Mani is anticipating tough competition as the best of athletes from the West Indies will be seen in action. âAthletes from Caribbean Isles, especially Jamaica, are dominating the sprints and it will be an uphill task. Athletes from Great Britain will also be a threat,â said the Chennai athlete who made Vijayawada his second home. For Mani the selection to Scotland CWG is a gratifying one for he missed the 2010 Delhi CWG owing to injury. âI was depressed as I was warming the bench. I want to make the best use of my Scotland sojourn,â he pointed out. For Manikanta Raj, the month of August will be crucial for he will be taking part in a selection meet to stake his claim for the Incheon Asian Games. âI stand a chance to win a medal at the Asian Games as I am gradually peaking. And I should avoid injury.â South Central Railway Welfare Officer Arjuna Rao said that Mani was an inspiration for many youngsters and his selection for CWG will provide the all important impetus city athletics. |
