Milkha to Bobby: Take her out for a relaxing dinner

On the day before Anju Bobby George’s long jump final in Athens, the grand old man of Indian athletics had a message for her coach and ...

int(3)

On the day before Anju Bobby George’s long jump final in Athens, the grand old man of Indian athletics had a message for her coach and husband Bobby today.

‘‘He (Bobby) should take her (Anju) out for some sightseeing or dinner tonight,’’ said Milkha Singh, the greatest Indian Olympian of all. At a time when everyone would have been suggesting that Anju take rest and concentrate on her Friday final, Milkha’s advice sounded bewildering.

But, as he explained, he was only speaking from personal experience. ‘‘The Olympics is the world’s biggest sporting stage and even a day’s gap between the qualifying event and final is a real test of nerves. I faced the same. There’s phobia and a lot of tension building within the athlete. That is why I hope Bobby takes Anju out tonight, ease the pressure and talk nothing of what is to come tomorrow,’’ Milkha explained.

Story continues below this ad

Delighted at Indian long jumper’s performance in the qualifying round, Milkha hoped for a better show tomorrow.

‘‘My best wishes are with her. She has done the nation proud by qualifying for the final at Athens. The whole nation is proud of her and I am confident that she will give her best tomorrow.

‘‘Though there are a number of world class athletes in the final, Anju should jump without any fear in her mind. By making it to the final of the Olympics, she is in no way less talented than them,’’ he added.