Antil India's best bet in AFI-Salwan International Throw meet

New Delhi, Sep 27 (UNI) With China, Poland, Hungary and Iran fielding strong squads, Commonwealth Games Silver medallist Seema Antil will be India's best bet in the inaugural AFI-Salwan International Throwing Competition which gets underway here on Friday.

Athletics Federation of India (AFI) secretary Lalit Bhanot today announced that more than 200 athletes from 12 countries would compete in the event.

Apart from the hosts, other countries are Kuwait, Croatia, Sri Lanka, Iran, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Poland, Hungary, China and Bulgaria.

Going by the personal best performances, 2002 Junior bronze medallist Seema seems an overwhelming favourite with her 64.64 in women's discus throw.

However, Chinese Sun Taideng (61.68) and Croatia's national record holder Vera Bagic (60.73) will try to upstage the Indian.

Things, however, don't look good for Seema's compatriot and 2005 Asian Championship Brone medallist Krishna Poonia (58.65).

In men's shot put, world number 10 Tomasz Majewski of Poland, whose personal best is 20.83, will have to stave off challenge from Zhang Qi (20.15), the first Chinese thrower to clear 20m, while local favourite Navpreet Singh (19.93) will have to come out with something special for a podium finish.

In men's hammer throw too, national record holder Rakesh Kumar (70.16) will have to better his personal best for a medal.

The event should be a cakewalk for Uzbekistan's six-time national champion Viktor Ustinov whose personal best is 75.77, while Chineser National Grand Prix winner Ma LIang would be eyeing the Silver with a personal best of 71.01.

In men's javelin throw, 2000 Asian Championship Gold medallist Jagdish Bishnoi will lead the Indian charge even though his personal best of 79.67 hardly look impressive as against 2002 Asian Games Gold medallist Li Rongxiang of China whose personal best of 84.29 threatens to make it a one-sided affair.

''This will be a good competition, considering the fact that China, Poland, Hungary and Iran are fielding quite strong squads.

This would be a perfect build-up for the Asian Games and we would get a good idea about where our athletes stand,'' Mr Bhanot said.

UNI AY DH PM1457