Ismail Baig is on a high

Ismail Baig is satisfied with the Indian rowers’ who won five medals, including a gold, in the recent Asian Rowing Championship at China.

Chief National rowing coach, Ismail Baig, is a delighted man these days. The team had a ‘very satisfying outing’ in the recent Asian Rowing Championship that was held in the Chinese province, Lu’an.

‘I am pretty satisfied with the performance as the boys could win one gold and two silver and another two bronze medals overall. What has been a redeeming feature is that our rowers faced problems with the boats that were made available. On that count, it was an impressive showing’’, says Baig.

The Indian team was subject to a peculiar problem. With hectic practice sessions being underway at the Hussainsagar Lake, the China-bound team had to leave without boats, which had to be used for practice. The ones that the Indians used during the competition were heavier than those available here.

“Even these have become obsolete. We have sounded the authorities for new boats because there is a major event next year. By any standard, Asian Games at Incheon will be the litmus test. I am confident that given the talent that is raring to go and the performances in China we will emerge stronger”, opines Baig.

Hi confidence is not unfounded. Swaran Singh Virk stunned the field while bagging India’s lone goal in Lu’an. Others are waiting to parade their talent.

“A rational calculation is that we can win around seven medals at Incheon of which two or perhaps three could be yellow metals’, points out the Dronacharya, who has scripted the turnaround since taking over eleven summers ago.

It is hoped that new boats and better infrastructural facilities are put in place sooner than later.