Shot putter Saurabh Vij will spearhead the Indian challenge in the IAAF World Junior Championships to be held at Chinese capital Beijing from 15 to 20 August.
Vij had been to the Asian Junior Championships as a World junior leader in his event, having heaved the iron ball to 20.35m during the Junior FedCup at Chennai, but had to settle with a silver medal which he earned through a throw of 19.62m at Macau.
Vij said to have improved his technique and tossed beyond 21m regularly in training. If he achieved it on the appointed day at Beijing, he will surely return home with a medal.
Among the girls, Jhuma Khatun, a semi-finalist in 800m at last year’s World Youth Championships in Marrakech, will have one more chance to try her best at the global meet.
Team (Event and personal best)
Boys
Virender Kumar Pankaj 400m - 47.16 (2006)
V.B. Bineesh 400m - 47.51 (2006)
Sajeesh Joseph 800m - 1:50.22 (2006)
Saurabh Vij Shot - 20.35 (2006)
Om Prakash Shot - 19.08 (2005)
Girls
M.R. Poovamma 400m - 55.22 (2006)
Jhuma Khatun 800m - 2:08.96 (2005)
Sini Jose, Anu Mariam Jose, Priyanka, Pawar, A.C. Ashwini – 4x400m Relay
Coach: Mr. Suresh Babu
Ram. Murali Krishnan for the IAAF
