Anju chalks out Plan A and B for Beijing

Anju agrees: “I am completely fit now and hoping for a good build-up for the Olympic Games. I started my preparation from November 2007 and I am satisfied with how things have panned out.”

Robert, who was in the Capital on Thursday, disclosed that at least three high-level competitions in USA and three on the European circuit should be good enough in the coming months. “It will give us a fair idea of our preparations,” he added.

But, as of now, Anju, world bronze medalist in 2003, has only got a green signal from the organisers of the Doha Grand Prix meet to be held in the first week of May. Organisers of other tournaments in Europe or USA are yet to confirm her participation. “We are constantly in touch with the officials. Hopefully, by end of April, we will know which competitions we are participating in,” he said.

That’s the worrying factor. If Anju doesn’t get entry for the competitions as planned, then she may have to participate in some low-key events. “That’s the only substitute. We don’t have any choice,” informed Robert of his Plan B.

Anju will, however, be seen in action in England. “Anju will compete in two competitions in the last week of July. Then it will be a countdown to Beijing,” he said.

The 30-year-old had undergone a minor nose surgery last year to rectify a breathing problem.

Anju’s performance in the recent past, including the Osaka world championships in August 2007, hasn’t been encouraging. She hasn’t touched her personal best of 6.83m in the last two years. So what distance is Anju aiming for in Beijing? Robert didn’t want to divulge the details of training, and the distance at this moment, and only said that ‘we are on the right path for Beijing’.