Asian and Commonwealth Games gold my target, says discus thrower Seema Antil

Express News Service

CHENNAI:  At 37, she would need more determination and motivation to hurl the discus further everyday or continue with her daily ritual of training. Pain and niggles have become part of her life, something she felt would stay with her forever.

“I have to manage it,” she said.

After a career spanning more than two decades, Seema Antil considers it fortuitous to continue in a demanding sport like discus. The journey did take a toll on her body.

Tokyo Olympics had been one forgetful experience and something she would not like to reminisce about.

“It took some time to shake off the setback and get back to training in September (at JN Stadium),” she said.

Not a regular in the domestic circuit since the Asian Games in 2018, Seema will compete in India until April at least. Her first competition would be at the National Throws competition in Patiala on Sunday. 

A day before leaving for Patiala, Seema seemed confident about the season and said she is looking forward to her third Asian Games and fifth Commonwealth Games.

“I have to perform well and win medals at both the Games.”

“If everything goes off well, I would target gold.” She has won three silver and one bronze at CWG, while gold at 2014 Asian Games and bronze in 2018. 

Seema, who had been training in Russia after the 2018 Asian Games, doesn’t have a coach. She is training with physio Darshan Shetty by her side.

“He helps with my training,” she said.

“I get my training schedule from my Russian coach. Even the US coach with whom I had trained for quite sometime earlier sends programmes.” 

Full story: newindianexpress.com