‘A real racing enthusiast’

Sachin Tendulkar with Karun (right) and Vicky Chandhok.-Sachin Tendulkar with Karun (right) and Vicky Chandhok.

Sachin Tendulkar called on Karun Chandhok at Magny Cours recently and proffered words of encouragement to the rising star of Indian motor racing.

When a sportsman who is a legend chooses to spend a few moments with another aspiring star striving to reach the summit, the significance of the occasion cannot be lost or go unnoticed. This was precisely the scene at the pits in Magny Cours, France, when Sachin Tendulkar called on the rising star of Indian motor racing, Karun Chandhok.

Chasing a dream of entering the Formula One circuit, Karun has been seeking new pastures in a season that has been a mixed one for him so far in GP 2. The high points for Karun this season have been the third place finish in Monaco and the fourth place in Istanbul.

At Magny Cours Karun’s performance was somewhat satisfying despite finishing seventh. What was more pleasing for Karun was when the high profile visitor chose to call on him. “Meeting Sachin was a real pleasure,” gushed Karun while talking of the tete-e-tete with the cricket maestro in the pits.

“He is a real, genuine nice guy with a great passion for motor sport. It is amazing to see how even though he is the country’s biggest sporting star for the last decade, he is still normal and grounded. I often meet people who may have played one good match or driven in one good race but already have an attitude. But with Sachin, it was nothing like that.”

According to Karun what was fascinating about his meeting with Sachin was his curiosity to know and understand the technical details as well as the driver’s experience. “You could see he was more than a casual viewer, a real enthusiast. We also got to exchange views on different fitness requirements of our respective sports which were quite interesting,” Karun said.

Karun appears to be definitely inspired by the words of encouragement from Sachin.

S. Thyagarajan* * *It’s getting worse

Gary Hall Jr., the Olympic 50 metres freestyle champion, believes the recent glut of swimming world records has more to do with old-fashioned doping — which he says is on the increase — than hi-tech swimsuits. Since the introduction of the Speedo LZR Racer this year, swimmers wearing the revolutionary bodysuit have smashed numerous world marks.

Hall, however, believes that the serious doping which once almost destroyed the sport continues to lurk just below the surface. “I don’t have any proof but it’s my gut feeling doping exists,” the American told reporters on the opening day of the U.S. trials. “I need to wait and see what it feels to be shaved and tapered in these new technology suits.

“I am convinced there is an advantage to wearing the suits but I don’t think it accounts for all the time drops we’ve seen.

“Do I think it (doping) is getting worse? Yes, I do.

“It’s here, it’s in the United States.

“I train with an international group of swimmers and all of them have stories and a few of them have had offers and I’m not at liberty to say (any more).

“Unfortunately, we rely on inadequate (anti) doping agencies for proof.”

The 33-year-old is trying to earn a spot in his fourth Olympic team and become the first male swimmer to win the same individual event, the 50 metres freestyle, three times.