Binu confident of winning medal in Beijing

Kochi, Oct 11 (UNI) Drawing confidence from hard work and experience, ace athlete K M Binu today said he was confident of winning a medal in the Beijing Olympics next year.

''I am confident of winning a medal in Beijing. I have learnt a lot from my performance in the previous Games'', the Arjuna-award winner said on the sidelines of a felicitation function here.

''In the Athens Olympics, lack of experince was the reason why I couldn't qualify for the 400 m finals,'' he added.

On the current off-season training to increase endurance and strength, he said, '' The training is progressing well and we are also planning for high-altitude training for one month from Monday at Munnar in Idukki district.'' Binu, who is the brother of athlete K M Beenamol, said the Olympics was just a year away and there was only little time for preparation.

He said before the Olympics, the athletes would participate in some competitions in Europe and elsewhere. This would be decided in February or March next year.

Asked if Milkha Singh had contacted him to give the promised award for breaking his national record in 400 m, Binu replied in the negative.

Earlier, Binu, who is an inspector in Central Excise and Customs, was presented a momento and cash award by Chief Commisioner of Central Excise and Customs and Service Tax A S R Nair.

Binu was a semi-finalist in the 400m in the Athens Games in 2004.

UNI