Robert Bobby George — husband-cum-coach of India’s top woman long jumper Anju Bobby George — has both a plan A and B at hand for preparations for the Beijing Olympic Games.

In the build-up to the Olympics, Robert wants Anju to compete in at least 12 top international competitions. The ideal preparation for Beijing, says Robert, will be to compete in a couple of high-level meets in both Europe and USA.

Anju agrees: “I am completely fit now and hoping for a good build-up for the Olympic Games. I started my preparation from November 2007 and I am satisfied with how things have panned out.”

Robert, who was in the Capital on Thursday, disclosed that at least three high-level competitions in USA and three on the European circuit should be good enough in the coming months. “It will give us a fair idea of our preparations,” he added.

But, as of now, Anju, world bronze medalist in 2003, has only got a green signal from the organisers of the Doha Grand Prix meet to be held in the first week of May. Organisers of other tournaments in Europe or USA are yet to confirm her participation. “We are constantly in touch with the officials. Hopefully, by end of April, we will know which competitions we are participating in,” he said.

That’s the worrying factor. If Anju doesn’t get entry for the competitions as planned, then she may have to participate in some low-key events. “That’s the only substitute. We don’t have any choice,” informed Robert of his Plan B.

... contd.