New Delhi: Having qualified for the London Olympics, India’s discus thrower Vikas Gowda is determined to achieve his goal of winning a medal at the quadrennial extravaganza next year.
Gowda, who booked a place in the London Games despite finishing seventh in men’s discus throw at the World Athletics Championships in Daegu, South Korea last week, said he has already spent USD 95,000 (INR 44 lakh approx) since January on his training.
“It was nice to qualify for 2012 London as I have been training really hard. Since January, I have already spent USD 95,000 on my training. I am keen to make it to the podium,” said Gowda, after receiving the Arjuna award from Sports Minister Ajay Maken here on Tuesday.
Gowda along with gymnast Ashish Kumar today received their Arjuna awards from Maken as they were not present on August 29 to accept the honour from President Pratibha Patil because they were taking part in qualifying events outside India for next year’s Olympics.
Making his first final appearance in three attempts at the World Athletics Championships, Gowda put in an effort of 64.05m and though it was not enough to earn a place higher than seventh, he cleared the ‘B’ Standard mark of 63 metres set as qualification for the 2012 Games.
He is likely to become India’s only participant in the event. (PTI)