Indian Open – The Hindu

Up for the challenge: Kujur is one of the prominent and promising young athletes in both the 100m and 200m.
| Photo Credit: File Photo: RITU RAJ KONWAR

CHENNAI

After Sangrur (Punjab), Nadiad (Gujarat) and Ranchi (Jharkhand), the Indian Open athletics caravan has come to Chennai.

Some of the top names, including Jeswin Aldrin (long jump), Tejas Ashok Shirse (110m hurdles), Amoj Jacob (400m) and Kishore Kumar Jena (javelin) will be the star attractions in the one-day competition to be held at the Nehru Stadium here on Tuesday.

The meet is expected to be a training competition for the Federation Cup to be held in Kochi from April 21 to 24. The Federation Cup is the major selection event for the Asian championships in Gumi (South Korea) from May 27 to 31.

Animesh Kujur is one of the prominent and promising young athletes in 100m and 200m. The 21-year-old is taking part in both events as part of his preparations for the Federation Cup.

“This meet was not in my calendar, and since Athletics Federation of India said one has to participate in any one of the Indian Open and Indian Grand Prix, I am taking part. I am ready for the competition but my main focus is on the Federation Cup,” said Animesh.

Vithya Ramraj said she has done all the hard work and is ready for the forthcoming competitions in women’s 200m and 400m hurdles, but insisted her focus will be on the latter.

Nearly 400 athletes will be in the fray in the competition, more than that of all the previous three meets.