FUKUOKA (JAPAN), July 18: Three years ago, when the Asian Amateur Athletic Association (AAAA) decided to conduct its main event in the even years, instead of odd ones, and rename it as `Asian Athletic Championships' and reduce the number of days, it seemed a desperate measure. There was a lot of skepticism about whether it would be of any use. For not only were there few takers for the event, but also the big two Japan and China continued to treat the event with disdain.But the edition beginning on Sunday promises a fare which will be the best ever. The reason: Japan, for the first time since it hosted the meet in 1981, and China are almost matching it. For the hosts, it is a case of ensuring a good show, and for China they have to hold on to its top slot in Asia.
Add to this a sprinkling of world class stars from Middle East nations like Qatar and Saudi Arabia and some from former Soviet states. Throw in a few South Koreans, a dash of Sri Lankans and you have a great meet which should be a fittingreward for the AAAA in its silver jubilee year.
Lest the Indians believe they are also on a roll, it is quite the opposite. Shiny Wilson has retired and the focus remains on PT Usha, who is now 34 and is in her 16th year of international athletics. Despite age and three retirements she is still India's best hope. That, in itself, is an eloquent commentary on Indian athletics.
Yet India has sent its largest squad since the 1989 Delhi meet. The 32 athletes will be, at best, expected to win 8-10 medals and with some luck there could be one or two gold. Still there is some merit in sending the athletes for it would otherwise leave no incentive to the performers in the domestic scene. At the last meet in 1995, India had just one gold from Jyotirmoy Sikdar in 800m.
Like the good old days, India's fortunes revolve around Usha. Wisely, she has refrained from going for three individual events plus relays. Her best chance is 200-400 with the latter event holding promise of gold, should Li Jing (50.01 secs in1997) slip. A couple of gold medals should give her the strength and confidence to launch one last assault on the Asian Games. She, incidentally, has not figured in an Asian meet since 1989 where she won four gold.
Other hopes include Rosa Kutty in the 1500m despite her poor form of late. On the men's front, Shakti Singh has a chance in shot put and discus as do Ajit Bhaduria (discus) and Bahadur Singh (shot put).
At the overall level, Ibrahim Ismail (400m), Mohd Suleiman (1,500m & 5,000m), Saad Asmari (3,000m steeplechase), Abjan Qahtani (5,000m & 10,000m), Shunji Karube (400m), Koji Ito (100m & 200m) and R Ganiyev (decathlon) ought to be the big stars.
But there is a common thread running through them all. And that is: each one hopes the Asian championships will be the start of the preparations for the Asian Games. After Fukuoka they go to Europe before ending up in Bangkok in December. That's where the tragedy of the Asian championships lies. Despite the best ever field, it will take a backseat incomparison to Asian Games.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
