A sparkling new track, despite shipping issues in the Strait of Hormuz due to the Iran war, at the Kalinga Stadium here may offer surprises for the country\u2019s elite athletes when they seek to qualify for the Asian Games at the only selection opportunity, the National inter-State athletics meet, starting here on Wednesday.<\/p>\n
Laying of the track, costing about \u20b922 crore, finished on Monday. \u201cI\u2019ll have an idea about the track when I compete tomorrow [Wednesday] morning,\u201d said 5000m National record holder Gulveer Singh.<\/p>\n
World championships finalist high jumper Sarvesh Kushare, who equalled his personal best 2.28m at the Federation meet in Ranchi, added: \u201cI have competed in these conditions before. I will give my best here.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sprinter Animesh Kujur, who landed here on Tuesday after being part of India\u2019s gold-winning 4x100m men\u2019s team in the Asian Relays in China, had a clear target. \u201cI hope to get back my (100m National) record,\u201d said Kujur, who would compete in 100m and 200m.<\/p>\n
Joint National record holder pole vaulters Dev Meena and Kuldeep Kumar wanted to repeat their Ranchi mark (5.45m) and qualify for the Asiad.<\/p>\n
National record holders, quartermiler Vishal T.K., woman high jumper Pooja, are among the leading athletes who will be seen in action.<\/p>\n
Following her injury lay-off, hurdler Jyothi Yarraji is making a comeback after a year.<\/p>\n
Some top names, including former World and Olympic champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, 100m National record holder Gurindervir Singh, National record holder decathlete Tejaswin Shankar, have got exemption from the meet.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n