Eugene: The Indian community in Eugene is excited to witness home-bred athletes in action at the 10-day long World Athletics Championships. However, the biggest draw is 2020 Tokyo Olympic champion in men’s javelin Neeraj Chopra. “Is Neeraj coming,” was the first question thrown at this journalist by Jagpal Singh.
India have 20 athletes who have qualified for the World Championships.
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Jagpal, an IT expert in his 40s is a fan of Indian sport. “We are rooting for all but we hope Neeraj can do a Tokyo in Eugene too,” he said.
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While several fans have bought tickets, others will be keeping track on TV.
Jagpal’s wife Balwinder Kaur has changed her working hours to witness the Worlds. “It will be great if you could share the profile of all the Indian athletes so that we can keep a track of them in future,” Balwinder said, adding “We are following the action on TV but plan to buy tickets for men’s javelin throw.”
A day before the Championships started on Friday, Jagpal’s family was at Hayward Field (the venue). “It’s the first time such a big event is happening in Eugene and we are excited,” Balwinder said. “Friends and family members got together and danced to the beats of ‘Chak de India’.”
Charu Malhotra, an avid runner, is also following the Indian athletes. “It’s great to see these youngsters qualify for the Worlds,” she said.
Asha King was there too at Hayward Field, and met chief national coach Radha Krishnan Nair and throwing coach MS Dhillon.
So far, it has been mixed luck for Indian athletes. Of the seven in action on the first two days, Avinash Sable, national record holder in men’s 3000m steeplechase, and long jumper Murali Sreeshankar entered the medal round but the latter finished seventh in the final.
Long jumpers Jeswin Aldrin and Muhammed Anees exited the preliminary round.
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400m low hurdler MP Jabir ran the heats with a heavy heart on Saturday as his coach in the formative years, Vijay Busi, 46, passed away two days ago in Cochin after suffering a heart attack. “It was difficult to believe Vijay sir is not there,” Jabir said after his event. He finished last in his heats and failed to qualify for the second round.
