Asian discus champion Vikas Gowda seeks government funds

Vikas Gowda in action

Asian discus throw gold-medallist Vikas Gowda, who is on a visit to India, met with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday to discuss issues and to seek funding for his preparations for the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Vikas, who hails from Mysore, who finished a disappointing 7th in the IAAF World Championships held in Moscow recently, has voiced his concerns to the Karnataka supremo and has reportedly submitted a request for a grant of $173,000, which would cover the athlete’s training expenditure leading to the Commonwealth Games next year and the 2016 Olympics.

The Chief Minister has agreed to the terms and has said that the issue would be addressed by concerned authorities and further actions would be taken on the same.

When asked about his parley with the chief minister, the star athlete said, “Hopefully, I will get some help from the CM. It will help take some of the pressure off us. I am hoping for the best.”

“I will be back in the US next week. There are some injuries that I need to take care of. I will start serious training in one-two months. I do not want to start with injuries. Last year was tough due to injuries and I had to reduce the load.

“I was not in top shape in Moscow. I was close but I could have thrown further,” he said. With the season having come to an end, Vikas is clear on his immediate priorities. “The first target for me is to get healthy. I know what I need to do now and that is to get clear of my injuries,” he said.