A grade above

How did Wushu make this jump as a priority sport?
The jump is because of the planning of the office bearers and hard labour of athletes and coaches. Wushu was introduced in India in 1989. Just after the first nationals in Lucknow in October ‘89, the Indian team participated in Asian Wushu Championships in Hong Kong. Indian observers have been participating in Asian Games since 1990 and the athletes competed for the first time in Doha.

How will this upgradation help the sport?
We can now participate in more international competitions. There will be more coaching camps. The main hurdle for us was equipment. Now more funds will help us in this aspect. In 2006 when we participated in the South Asian Federation Games, World Championships and Doha Asian Games we had spend a lot. Now the Ministry of Sports will take care of the coach, boarding, lodging and other facilities.

Will Wushu be able to sustain the momentum?
Increased facilities to wushu athletes will certainly help them to work hard. In last 10 years Indian Wushu players have got 18 gold, 17 silver and 34 bronze medals in different international meets. In ‘97 world championships we got one bronze, in 2000 South Asian Championship we had four gold, three silver and three bronze. In 2003 at the South Asian meet we had 10 gold, nine silver and 11 bronze. In the Asian Senior meet in 2004 we came home with five bronze. At the World Senior Championship in 2005 we had one bronze. The list is endless. We have been consistent in the past and we will be consistent in the future.

Which are the key areas that will benefit from this upgradation?
There are 34 units working all over the country. Efforts are on to get more para-military organisations in the fold. The sport is more popular in the north eastern region. But there is potential that the sport can develop in states like UP, MP, Delhi, Haryana and Tamil Nadu. There are more than 25 NIS diploma holders and 100 certificate holders in the country. We basically need coaching centers and coaches too.

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