Swapna Barman not thinking of 2020 Olympics yet

Swapna's coach thinks retaining her Asian Games gold medal in 2022 is a more realistic target than eyeing a podium finish in the 2020 Olympics.

Published : Sep 12, 2018 19:54 IST , Kolkata

Swapna Barman during a felicitation ceremony in Kolkata.
Swapna Barman during a felicitation ceremony in Kolkata.
lightbox-info

Swapna Barman during a felicitation ceremony in Kolkata.

For heptathlete Swapna Barman, retaining her Asian Games gold medal in 2022 is a more realistic target than eyeing a podium finish in the 2020 Olympics.

At a felicitation function, jointly organised by Calcutta Sports Journalists Club and City Life, here on Wednesday, Swapna shared her thoughts on the Olympics. “I have not dreamt of Olympics yet. I will dream of it when my coach asks me to,” said Swapna, who was handed a cheque of Rs 51,000 in recognition of her Asiad feat.

Swapna’s coach Subhash Sarkar has an achievable and unique target for the first Indian women’s heptathlon gold medallist in the Asian Games.

“If she wins the 2022 Asian Games gold medal, then it will be significant. No Indian has done it before,” said Sarkar.

“With 6200 points one can qualify for the Olympics, but to be on the podium one needs to score 6700 to 6800. Swapna will not have any problems in qualifying as she can reach up to 6400, but getting a medal is tough,” added the coach.

Asked whether foreign exposure can help the talented athlete improve her performance, Sarkar said, “Since her speed is less in the running events, she can train under an expert to improve her speed.”

Now, Swapna's top priority is to get rid of her injuries. She and her coach will visit Mumbai to consult experts to know whether she needs surgery to regain her fitness.

“There are three important events – the World championships, the Asian championships and the National championships – next year and her participation in these depends on her recovery,” said Sarkar.

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment