Politics has distracted Krishna Poonia: Coach Bahadur Singh

Krishna Poonia

New Delhi, Sep 20 (IANS) National athletics coach Bahadur Singh feels that political ambitions have distracted discus thrower Krishna Poonia and have taken a toll on her performance.

Krishna, who won gold at the 2010 Commonwealth Games here and bronze in the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games, finished a disappointing fifth in the 2014 Commonwealth Games. Last year, Krishna unsuccessfully contested the Rajasthan Assembly elections, where she represented Congress, from Sadulpur.

"I advised her that politics have been a distraction for her. I told her as an active athlete she cannot go around asking for tickets. Her priority should have been her sport. I told her your training will be hampered if you take a day off," the veteran coach told IANS Saturday during a send-off ceremony for India's track and field contingent for the Asian Games.

Krishna, however, maintained that she is fit and fine, raring to go and improve upon her bronze medals in the last two Asian Games.

"The preparations have been good. I was disappointed with my performance in the Commonwealth Games. But I have done my hard work and hope to do well in the Asian Games," said Krishna.

Bahadur, however, has high hopes from discus thrower Seema Punia, who won silver at Glasgow.

"We have a good chance of a medal in women's discus throw. Seema has been doing well and if she maintains her consistency she can win a medal," he said.