Even though not one of the strong contenders, India is hoping to double its medal tally in track and field events in the upcoming Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
"We are expecting to win up to seven medals in athletics," said Radhakrishnan Nair, deputy chief coach of the athletic team in an interview to SBS Malayalam Program.
"Don't take this number for granted, but it can be either six or seven".
In the last Commonwealth Games held at Glasgow, Scotland in 2014, Indian athletes won just three medals from track and field - one each of all three colours.
India’s total medal tally was 64, comprising of 15 gold, 30 silver and 19 bronze medals. Most of them came from wrestling, weightlifting and shooting.
Discuss Thrower Vikas Gowda bagged the only athletic gold in Scotland while Seema Punia lifted her third consecutive CWG medal in the form of a silver in the women’s event. Triple jumper Arpinder Singh was the bronze medallist.
This time India has sent a 225 member contingent to Gold Coast, of which 28 are in the track and field events.
"Neeraj Chopra is a sure bet for gold"
The team is still relying mostly on throwing events, says Mr. Nair. India is hoping high on junior world record holder Neeraj Chopra in Javelin Throw.
“Comparing his recent performances with other throwers in the Commonwealth countries, Neeraj Chopra is a sure bet for gold,” said Mr. Nair.
Even though she is 34, Seema Punia also gives high hopes for Indian fans.
Long distance walkers Irfan Kolothum Thodi and B Soumya also are hopeful of grabbing medals along with the jumpers.
India’s best performance in CWG athletics was in 2010 when the Games was held at New Delhi. The team won two gold, three silver and seven bronze medals in home soil.
