In a conversation facilitated by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), Khan expressed his disappointment, stating, "Normally, more the pressure, the better I do in a competition. But in Eugene, after the third jump, I started getting cramps. This is the first time this has happened to me." He noted that a minor heel pain compounded the issue but reassured fans that it was not a significant concern. Khan is optimistic about participating in the upcoming Indian Athletics Final Series on September 10 in New Delhi, where many athletes preparing for the Asian Games are expected to compete.
Aiming for Greater Heights
Looking ahead to the Asian Games scheduled for September and October, Khan is determined to surpass his personal best and secure a medal. "My aim is to better my PB of 8.30 meters and win a medal," he stated. He also credited senior long jumper Murali Sreeshankar for his guidance and support during training, as they both practice at the same facility. Hailing from Madhaipur village in Pratapgarh district, Uttar Pradesh, Khan's journey in athletics has been shaped by his family's legacy, particularly his uncles, who were national-level athletes.
Currently, Khan holds the national U20 record with his jump of 8.30 meters and is recognized as the reigning Asian U20 champion. His recent performances have placed him third in the Asian senior rankings for the season, just behind Sreeshankar. Over the past four months, he has made significant strides, improving his personal best from 8.23 meters to 8.30 meters, positioning him among the top long jumpers in India.
High Hopes for Basant Kumar Meghwal
In a parallel story of success, Basant Kumar Meghwal, the reigning Asian U20 champion in high jump, recently achieved a personal best of 2.21 meters, earning him a silver medal at the same global event. The 19-year-old expressed his disappointment at narrowly missing the gold, stating, "I had in my mind that if I do 2.24 meters, I will win the gold medal." Despite all three medalists clearing 2.21 meters, the final standings were determined by countback, with Algeria's Younes Ayachi taking gold.
Coached by former national record holder Sahana Kumari, Meghwal has made impressive progress this season, improving his personal best from 2.11 meters to 2.21 meters. He has also secured gold medals in previous national competitions and is now focused on further elevating his performance. Hailing from a small village near the Rajasthan border, Meghwal's journey into athletics began unexpectedly in 2020, and he credits his father for supporting his ambitions despite financial challenges.
With both athletes poised for future competitions, the Indian athletics community is eager to see how they will perform on the international stage in the coming months.
