After bagging a gold medal at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games earlier this year in the 77kg weightlifting category, an injured Sathish Sivalingam endured a disappointing 10th finish at the Asian Games that followed.
The weightlifter from Vellore spoke to Sportstar at a promotional event here on Saturday about his Asiad experience and his preparations for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Sathish revealed that he was just 50 percent fit before the Asian Games due to lack of recovery time from Commonwealth Games, where he was a comfortable victor. "I picked up a few minor injuries after the Commonwealth Games, but I tried my best at the Asian Games because it was necessary for me to participate," he said.
The national record holder, however, is sure that such a situation won't repeat at the 2020 Olympics.
"Everything I am doing now as part of training is by keeping the Olympics in mind. I want to make sure I'm physically and mentally ready," he said. Sathish is still troubled by a back niggle, but doing the right things for the recovery and hopes to be fit by the end of the year.
Sathish also said that he consciously works on the psychological aspect of his game and practices meditation to ensure the pressure of representing the country isn't an issue ahead of big competitions.
Speaking about the recently concluded Youth Olympics where 16-year-old Jeremy Lalrinnunga bagged a gold in weightlifting, Sathish said: "The future is bright. Youngsters are doing well and it is only a matter of time till they win something at a senior level."
He emphasised that it is important for the youngsters to remain confident about their abilities regardless of the circumstances. "They must stay focused and work hard on their physical and mental fitness."
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