Adjusting to Indoor Terrain: Athletes and Officials Learn the Ropes at National Championships
Image Source: Internet
Athletes and officials alike are navigating the unfamiliar terrain at the inaugural National Indoor Championships in Bhubaneswar. Shot putter Omkar Prasad Nanda, who won gold in the U-20 section, resorted to using a worn-out shoe to get a grip on the wooden throwing circle, while runner C Priyanka relied on her experience of training on a curvy track.
Nanda, who has been training at the state-of-the-art indoor stadium for 10-14 days, is mindful of the possibility of slipping on the throwing circle. 'The throwing circle in outdoor events is made of cement and so there is grip with your shoe and you have more confidence. But in indoor events, the throwing circle is made of wood and is a little bit slippery,' he said.
Priyanka, the senior women's 3000m run gold winner, found the 200m track at the championships to be a 'very nice experience.' She credited her past training experience on 200m tracks for helping her adjust to the curvy track.
The Athletics Federation of India, hosting the championships for the first time, is also learning the ropes. 'It's a learning experience for us also as it is the first indoor event in the country,' said AFI treasurer and technical committee member Stanley Jones.
Despite the challenges, officials are adapting to the unique demands of indoor events. 'In indoors, there is not impact from winds, temperature and weather variations, it's a more controlled and consistent environment,' Jones said.
