Saurabh, Samarjeet to spearhead Indian challenage on day one

Macau, July 14 (UNI) Shot-putter Saurabh Vij and Javelin thrower Samarjeet Singh will spearhead the Indian challenge on the opening day of the 12th edition of the Asian Junior Athletics Championship here tomorrow.

The four-day long championship, featuring 500 athletes from 36 countries including 33 from India, is expected to produce some top quality performances. Since its inception in 1986 this championship had been a launch-pad for many world class athletes.

The Indian junior athletes had always performed well in this championship and India hosted this championship in 1992 and 1996.

On the first day, focus will be on Saurabh Vij in the final of Shot Put. Saurabh, favourite to win with record distance because of his recent performances in shot put, measured beyond 20m. He is likely to get some fight from Mohammad Mashari (PB: 19.19) of Kuwait.

In the Javelin throw final Samarjeet Singh take on Chinese Wang Qingbo (PB: 71.90) and Alameeri Abdullah of Kuwait (PB: 67.14).

Jhuma Khatun is confident of not only making at final but also winning Gold for India as she believe that she can outrun others with her strong finish.

''It's going to be strategic race and I am prepared for it'' said Jhuma while doing warm-up on the eve of qualifying rounds.

In the men' 800m it will be tough for Sajeesh Jospeh (PB:1:50.22) to handle Japanese Yokota Masato and Al Deraan Ali Saad A of Soudi Arabia.

''We are aware of them and will put our best efforts to beat them as you never know what is going to happens in final. But before that, I need to qualified for finals tomorrow,'' said an optimistic Sajeesh.

Indian juniors have always done well in one lap race and this time lots of expectations are from Virendra Kumar Pankaj who have 47.16 as his season's best performance. But he will have to battle with the Japanese duo Abiko Mitsuhiro and Katsumata Akihiro to make a mark in this championship.

M V Poovamma, on the other hand, will take on Chinese runners in the women 400m event. This season, the ranking is dominated by the Chinese grabbing seven places out of top 10. It will be a herculean task for Poovamma to match the Chinese.

Mandip Kaur will participate in women 200m qualifying while S Kanan and A Amalnathan will hit the board in Long jump to qualify for the final.

Bhupinder Singh will start is tow day long battle in Decathlon event where he is favorite to finish in medal bracket. His performance in Chennai during Junior Federation Cup has made him sure about this although rising mercury and dry weather will make it more difficult for decathletes.

UNI XC HSB AY VV1923