Asian Games | Ashish Kumar aims to repeat 2010 heroics in Indonesia
Indian gymnast Ashish Kumar has been working hard for the upcoming Asian Games in Indonesia and is seeking inspiration from his performances eight years back. Ashish has stated that he is currently feeling very confident and is ready to earn his position back at the top.
Eight years back the Indian gymnast surprised everyone and became a household name by winning two medals in the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi and a bronze in the Guangzhou Asian Games that followed. However, things did not seem very bright for Ashish as he found himself on the sidelines just a couple of years later following selection issues and career-threatening injuries.
After missing the 2014 Incheon Asian Games, Ashish stated that he was ready for the upcoming Asiad in Indonesia and was keeping himself motivated by thinking about his heroics in 2010. He revealed that the injuries affected his career a lot but accepted the ups and downs in a positive manner.
“I take a lot of inspiration from my medals in 2010 Commonwealth Games and the Asiad. Unfortunately, injuries affected my performances and my career. I know no athlete can always stay at the top and in sports, the graph keeps going up and down,” Ashish told TOI.
The gymnast from Allahabad further said that despite suffering from injuries over the past few years, he is ready for the upcoming Asiad challenge and is confident of doing well. He felt that his performances of late would help him mentally in Indonesia.
“I feel I am in the same form as I was eight years back. If I can replicate what I have been doing in training, I believe I have a very good chance. I had a few good tournaments in recent times which added to my confidence. I won a medal in 2010 Asiad and I hope to win one this time around as well,” he added.
Speaking about the fierce competition in Asian Games, Ashish said that it will not be an easy task for the Indians as most of the top sporting nations like China, Japan, South Korea etc. will be participating in Indonesia. He felt that the competition would be tougher than the Commonwealth Games.
“Asian Games is like second Olympics. There are gymnasts from China, Japan, South Korea, Chinese Taipei as well as from Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, all strong teams. It will be tougher than the Commonwealth Games,” Ashish said.
