The Athletics Federation of India said yesterday that Asian champion discus thrower Vikash Gowda has suffered a shoulder injury. The injury is matter of concern because it raised question on his participation in the upcoming Rio Olympics.
AFI President Adille Sumariwalla said that Gowda’s father had informed the federation that Gowda will be taking part in his fourth Olympics in Rio, has suffered a “minor” shoulder injury but he will be fine for the Games. The men’s discus throw event of Rio Olympics is scheduled on August 12.
“I have spoken to Gowda’s father and he said his son has suffered a minor shoulder injury. I cannot send a doctor to US and assess Gowda’s injury. I have to believe in what his father says. His father says it’s a minor injury and he should be fine for Olympics. I have to believe in that,” Sumariwalla said.
“He (Gowda) will have to prove his fitness sometime before the start of Olympics. It will not be a trial but he will have to prove that he is fit to take part in Olympics. Gowda will undergo some kind of throwing session from which we can know he is fit. We will get to know this from his father and the coach,” he added.
Besides Gowda, three other Rio-qualified athletes –marathon runner Kavita Raut and 20km race walkers Khushbir Kaur and Sapna — have also been placed subject to fitness.
“Kavita Raut, Khushbir and Sapna will also have to prove fitness before going to Rio,” the AFI president said, while issuing the names of 38 athletes, including 18 women, who have qualified for the Olympics.
Yesterday was the deadline for Rio qualification in track and field events. Gowda, Kavita, Khushbir and Sapna have been marked “subject to fitness” against their names in the list.