Interview with Inderjeet Singh: "An Indian Athletics League should be started soon"

Inderjeet Singh became the first Indian to qualify for the shot put finals at the World Athletics championship recently. He finished 11th and despite the low finish, he is still India’s biggest hope when it comes to winning an Athletics medal at the Rio Olympics next year.

Sportskeeda had the opportunity to chat with the 27-year-old on the phone after his performance at the World Athletics Championship, his struggles and much more.

Q: You recently finished 11th at the World championships in Beijing. Personally were you happy with your performance or do you feel that you could have done better?

A: This was my first big competition. If I could have thrown the same that I did in the qualifier I would have been happy. Still my preparation was not good for such a big competition because I could be 7th in order by same 20.47.

Q: Are you planning to make changes to your current training schedule after Beijing so that you could do better in Rio?

A: I reached where I’m without proper training facilities. The country should have faith and give all the facilities if we have to reach Rio. And yes, I have to change a little bit as well.

Q: There have been a lot of social media campaigns and fund raisers by sports fans for you. What is your take on them? Do these encourage you to perform knowing that you have the support?

A: Yes, Sportskeeda and Bit giving are helping me. I’m thankful to them but still it is less for Rio. We cannot get to Olympics easily. The problem is, we are not getting much competition in Asia but in Olympics it will be different. Also, the number of athletics lovers is very less. The support only comes when someone reaches to the Asian gold and before that, nothing.

Q: Has the Indian Government been helpful for you for the same? Are they supportive enough?

A: The government did promise to help but till date nothing has been done expect paperwork. I’m the only one who supported me till here.

Q: Do you think that this is the main problem that is holding back the athletes in the nation?

A: Yes, there are only five or six athletes in the top scheme for Olympics. We have around 48 events in athletics where 24 are for men and 24 are for women. Many champions out there are still waiting for help and the roots of athletics are weak in India. No money and less support. Every second year there should be big events in India like the Asian Commonwealth Games also Indian Athletics League should be started soon.

Q: What was it like following a dream of being an athlete in such conditions? Were there occasions where you thought of giving up?

A: No, I’ve been fighting my whole life and I love bad conditions. I will try as much as I can to change the situation. It does feel bad to see that no athlete is getting medals at World Athletics and Olympics and there aren’t even (Indian) flags in the crowd.

Q: Do you think that the problems of athletes will be solved if someone wins an Olympic medal?

A: Yes, just like all the other games. People who are into athletics should think more and think positively.

Q: As a youngster, were you inspired by any particular person or sports person?

A: Shakti Singh

Q: Are you happy that you are coached by Shakti Singh’s brother?

A: Yes, and Shakti Sir helps me as well.

Q: Have you thought of taking up coaching or opening a school for young students later in your career?

A: I haven’t thought about it now, but will plan later.

Q: What was your biggest challenge till now?

A: Rio is the biggest challenge. It was a painful moment when I read that Inderjeet is under pressure at the World Championship. The world will never feel the pressure seeing me in the championship.

Q: What is the best advice that you got in your life?

A: We will reach the top through hard work and faith on ourselves.

Q: What is the message that you can give to youngsters who dream to be athletes one day?

A: Work hard and start to speak about the problem you face in the area. Fight for your rights, Think big and be positive.

Inderjeet Singh signed off by saying ‘Help Athletics reach on top one day’

With eight international gold medals to his name in 2015, Inderjeet has been a force to reckon in the Shot put scene. Sportskeeda, along with BitGiving and Anglian Medal Hunt is currently leading a crowdfunding campaign to assist Inderjeet and anyone who wishes to contribute any money to the cause can click on the link below