Vikas Gowda qualifies for Discus finals

Vikas Gowda has qualified for the finals of the discus event at London 2012.

India’s Vikas Gowda has qualified for the finals of the men’s discus throw at London on Monday.

Vikas threw a distance of 65.20m, topping his group in the process and assuring himself of a place in the finals. Ehsan Hadadi of Iran was second with a score of 65.19m.

The two were the only ones to attain the qualifying mark of 65m with half the field left to complete the round.

The top 12 progress to the finals, either by meeting the qualifying mark, or by being one of the 12 best in the round.

It’s a wonderful moment for Gowda, who has battled financial difficulties and received zero support from the sports ministry . All the years of hardwork and perseverance have culminated in qualification to the finals of the Discus event.

If Vikas succeeds in landing a medal, he will surpass greats before him like P.T Usha, Milkha Singh and Anju Bobby George who came close but fell just short. Vikas has the chance to carve his name into Indian Olympic history, and go on to become the greatest athlete to come from this part of the world.

India has become used to her athletes falling just short at the Olympic stage, so here’s hoping Vikas Gowda bucks the trend and brings home that elusive Athletics medal.

Good luck, Vikas Gowda: India’s best hope in Athletics.