India to go for limited participation at Asiad, Olympics

Buoyed by the splendid performance at the 17th Commonwealth Games in Manchester, the Indian Olympic Association has decided to have "focused participation" in Olympics and Asian Games too in order to get similar results.

Congratulating the Indian contingent on its best ever showing at the Commonwealth Games, IOA president Suresh Kalmadi said that the success could be partly attributed to the fact that participation was limited to disciplines where India had strong chances of winning a medal.

"We had a very focussed participation this time. We took part in only ten events and came back with medals in nine of those. It is a wonderful achievement," said Kalmadi.

"From now on we will have a similar approach to the Asian Games and Olympics also," he said.

Kalmadi said the performance at Manchester was a big boost to Olympic sports in the country and would go a long way in reviving the interest in Afro-Asian Games to be hosted by India next year.

"I must congratulate the athletes and coaches for doing the country proud. I am happy to see the killing instinct in them. They have gone for the gold and have not been satisfied with just any medal," he said.

"Four years ago in Kuala Lumpur we won just seven gold medals. Now we have won 32. Its a great leap forward," Kalmadi said.

"All the athletes had trained very hard and put in a lot of practice. Their hard work has paid off and I am extremely happy for them."

Kalmadi had special words of praise for the women's hockey team, which won the gold medal-overcoming stiff competition from highly rated teams.

"The victory of the women's hockey team has been particularly heartening. They defeated England in the final after tremendous victories over South Africa and New Zealand. They showed admirable skill and courage. All credit to them," he said.