news-engine

BHUBANESWAR: Rohit Yadav had gone to the Commonwealth Games with high hopes after winning gold at the National Inter-State Athletics Championships here in June. He threw a massive 87.05m then to not just clinch the title but also qualify for the Asian Games. However, his hopes of finishing on the podium in Glasgow took a hit as he struggled to produce his best in the cold and windy conditions at Scotstoun Stadium on July 31. His best effort of 81.56m left him seventh in the final standings, with Neeraj Chopra and Yashvir Singh finishing second and third respectively. But on Saturday, at the World Athletics Continental Tour Silver meet at Kalinga Stadium here, the athlete from Uttar Pradesh rediscovered his mojo, winning the title with another massive throw of 87.68m. It was the fourth-best throw in the world this year and moved him up to second among Indian throwers, behind Neeraj. Speaking after his performance, Rohit, who had looked crestfallen on the eve of the competition, was once again cheerful. “During the Commonwealth Games, after my second throw of 81.56m, I felt I was doing well and that I could build on it. But my third throw went wayward because of the wind, and I couldn’t produce another good throw,” Rohit said after his gold on Saturday. “But if I could have produced today’s throw in Glasgow, it would have been great. I’ve been very disappointed since then, but I’m happy that I’ve finally produced a big throw again.” Inconsistency, however, has been an issue for Rohit for some time. Even on Saturday, he struggled at the start, beginning with two fouls, including a fall during his second attempt. His next three throws measured 75.92m, 78.73m and 81.82m before he finally found his rhythm with his last throw. With the weather in Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya, where the Asian Games will be held from Sept 19 to Oct 4, expected to be similar to conditions he has experienced in India, Rohit will be hoping to carry his form into the continental showpiece. “We have a good plan in place, especially after the recent competitions. We are working on specific aspects of my throwing and trying to make the necessary improvements in Patiala,” added the 25-year-old, who has been training under coach Sergey Makarov. Working with Makarov has also been a major boost, with Rohit crediting the former Russian javelin thrower for helping him improve. “He was a very good athlete himself and has been among the top throwers. When you see someone like him, it motivates you differently. At the same time, he doesn’t put pressure on me. He supports what I’m doing and helps us make a proper plan,” said Rohit, as Makarov looked on proudly. While the final Asian Games squad is yet to be announced, Rohit should be part of the team having already qualified for the event. After his comeback throw in Bhubaneswar, he will now hope to carry the momentum into Nagoya and finally add a major international medal to his collection.