Prakash D Manu may be excused for getting a bit overwhelmed whereas he was competing towards the cream of the world javelin scene on the Commonwealth Video games in Birmingham. There was Asian Video games medallist Arshad Nadeem, world champion Anderson Peters, Olympic medallists Julius Yego and Keshorn Walcott. For Manu, it was not solely a serious competitors however his first worldwide meet at any stage. That’s how briskly the 22-year-old has progressed this season standing as much as the large names on the planet and shouldering India’s medal prospect within the absence of Tokyo Olympic Champion Neeraj Chopra.
Manu took a while to assemble himself however rapidly regrouped to give attention to his throws and never get intimidated by the large names. Having thrown the spear to 84.35 on the Nationwide Inter-State meet earlier this 12 months, Manu wished to offer his private greatest. He fell wanting his personal mark however ended up with a formidable 82.28m taking fifth place.
“Had Neeraj bhai been there it could have been totally different even for me. It could have given me extra confidence. However it was the primary time I travelled overseas and represented India and this was a giant alternative for me.”
“They’re all high throwers and also you see them going large. I’m not in that vary so I simply instructed myself to not get carried away and give attention to giving my greatest. I used to be feeling unsettled due to my unfamiliarity. The meals, the environment was totally different. My coach (Kashinath Naik) was not by my aspect and I used to be taking on-line exercise plans from him. The outcome was a bit disappointing however I do know I’ve simply began.”
On the Nationwide Video games, he carried that confidence and received gold with a throw of 80.71 forward of Rohit Yadav, who was additionally with him in Birmingham. Final 12 months, he constantly threw 75-76m and stepped up in a giant approach this season. Such was his dedication that he has not taken a break within the final 12 months, whereas sprucing his expertise at Military Sports activities Institute in Pune.
“It has been a particularly good season and the Open Nationals remains to be there. I’ve improved so much. All of it modified for me since I used to be recruited within the Military in 2020. Earlier than that, there was not a lot help, however in Pune, I get all of the services for coaching.”
Former Commonwealth Video games medallist Naik noticed his expertise and Manu has made probably the most of all of the alternatives which have come his approach.
Javelin was not the primary selection at his village college in Hassan district. Manu preferred volleyball and different sports activities however future had different plans. His college coach discovered his physique properly suited to javelin and threw him into a faculty meet when he was in tenth customary. Since that day, it was solely javelin that occupied his thoughts.
He educated with some senior throwers, picked up nuances by watching YouTube movies and realized the fundamentals of the sport.
“I used to be a volleyball participant however in one of many college meets, I used to be given to throw the javelin and the bodily schooling trainer preferred it. Since then, I’ve been throwing the spear,” says Manu.
For the primary few years, he educated with no coach and it was solely after he was scouted by the Military that his life started to take a flip for good. Earlier than that Manu needed to show himself by profitable medals on the Khelo India.
It acquired him consideration. After Chopra had already made heads flip by making a report on the world junior championships in 2016, coaches have been on the hunt for brand spanking new abilities. Companies coach Naik waited for his efficiency in Khelo India, earlier than placing in a phrase for his inclusion within the Companies group.
“Once I noticed him first, his launch angle was not good, energy was not good, physique weight was much less. So, there have been a whole lot of issues to work on. However he was tall, had good explosive energy, a attain and good velocity. He was throwing good distances with none correct coaching,” says Naik.
Manu has risen quick by means of the ranks and after a stellar 12 months is gearing up for main tournaments subsequent 12 months – Asian Video games and a qualifying berth on the world championships. He has been just lately added to the Goal Olympic Podium Scheme. The Athletics Federation of India has allowed him to coach with Naik at ASI Pune.
“This 12 months he has began doing properly in competitions and is mentally stronger. The great outcomes have given confidence and there’s a youthful bunch to push one another. We’ve to work on his energy and approach. Subsequent season, we’ll put together him to go previous 85m constantly and the goal can be 88m,” says Naik.