Legend Anju Bobby George has a very different take on Indian track and field athletes of this generation. In her view, the Asian Games are just a Continental Championship and winning a medal in it is just another reference in their Bios.
Speaking to RevSportz, Anju said: “We are at a different level today. The world knows us today in every field and we belong to it. For Indian athletics competitors, the Asian Games is not so big like before, and I say this after watching our standards rise.
These comments from Anju may surprise many people but it is a kind of truth. When Anju won a bronze medal in long jump at the World Championship in 2003, it was considered as “path breaking.” However, the stock of Indian athletics has gone up by leaps and bounds. “If we look at the Indian athletics performance, we have done everything, including Neeraj Chopra winning an Olympic medal. India is no longer unknown to the world, we are known in every field,” was Anju’s emphatic statement.
As one who has seen the changes in the last two decades plus, Anju’s reiteration is a big thrust of sorts. She draws comparisons to daily walks of life where Indians are making a mark. “You look at any area, India are there in the world. We are now treated with respect, not as if we are an unknown nation,” added Anju, who now plays a role of mentor as well as TV commentator.
What’s the difference between Indians in the international arena two decades back and now? “When I wanted to go for the World Championship in 2003, to request the Indian government for a training tour to the USA was hard. The question asked was if I could guarantee a medal in the World Championship! This is no longer the case, our athletes are training abroad and we can see the results,” said Anju.
To be sure, Anju draws a parallel between Indians being in positions of command in various walks of life and then sports. In her view, the respect which Indians get is massive and the fear factor has gone. “This generation is better prepared and they have more info about everything in all walks of life. If you look at our athletes, they are fearless, ready to go and challenge the big names. That is why I say Indian track and field athletes winning medals in Asia is not as big as before,” said Anju.
Anju and her husband Bobby have been mentoring Shaili Singh, a long jumper with great potential. Shaili may not have made it that big in the senior category but her growth is being watched. She had competed in the World Championship recently and is there at the Asian Games as well.
Coming back to the importance of the Asian Games, Anju Bobby George said, in certain events like badminton this continental extravaganza is important. “We have seen in badminton and even swimming how the Asian countries are so strong and winning a medal in it is not so easy. Yet, I have no hesitation in saying Indian athletes can make a mark.”
She was, however, not willing to get drawn into the medal predictions for India, since that can be dicey. As one who dons multiple hats today, she will be in Hangzhou to watch the Asian Games and possibly also be a media analyst for SONY television.
You may find Anju Bobby George’s words bombastic, but she is in touch with reality, no doubting that.