Anju to meet Olga Rypakova in Asian GP tomorrow

Pune, May 25 (UNI) Anju Bobby George, the world number four Indian long jumper, will be going all out to avenge her defeat against Olga Rypakova of Kazakhstan in the third and final leg of the Asian Grand Prix meeting which gets underway at the newly laid synthetic track of the Baburao Sanas stadium of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) here tomorrow.

Anju who arrived from the Commonwealth games with silver medalist discus thrower Seema Anthil late this afternoon, had light practice session in presence of her husband and coach Bobby George.

Talking to reporters, Anju said that her take off right heel has still some swelling but she will be participating with protective adhesive strapping to avoid aggravating the injury.

''I am not particularly worried or for that matter disappointed about the outcome in the GP, as the athletic season has just commenced but then it helps to have the competitive exposure for the stiffer tests ahead.'' The injury is not a major problem though it certainly affected my performance in Super Grand Prix meeting in Doha, she said.

''Though I could afford to miss Bangkok GP, I do not want to miss any competition in the country,'' Anju clarified and added ''I have alawys been focussed and aim to win gold in the World Cup and the Golden League athletic events.'' The world cup in which only the top eight ranked are eligible to take part is slated to be held in Athens on September 16.

The Asian Games Gold medallist Anju will take part in the Grand Prix meets in London and Sweden on June 25 and 28, said her coach Bobby George.

Olga is basically a hepthelon athlete and she did well both in Bangkok and Bangalore, who is the major contender at the final leg at Pune.

''I am competing against the Kazak for the first time,'' Anju said.

As far as the European circuit is concerned, Anju said she has not yet decided, but it was on the cards.

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