MUMBAI: Savita Marathe was the last gymnast from the State who had represented the country at the Commonwealth Games (Invitational in the year 1982). Since then, there has not been one from Maharashtra. After 24 years, the State will have a representative at the Games in Komal Nahar. Fittingly enough, Komal is a student of Savita.
Both the coach and the student will be in Melbourne, Savita as a judge and Komal as an Indian an entry in the rhythmic gymnastic competition.
“I will be on the sideline but I will be there when she is on the floor,” said Savita who feels Komal is a medal prospect as the Russians and Chinese, the best in this business, will not be in Melbourne. “I’m sure she will make it to the last eight.”
Komal, national champion in her event for the last two years, works for three hours a day and has prepared hard for the Games. It has been Komal’s dream to represent the country. “I always wanted to don the Indian colour,” said an excited Komal who cannot wait to board the flight to Melbourne along with 12 others who will to represent the country in gymnastics at the Games. “I will give my best shot,” added Komal.
Squad:
Artistic Gymnastics:
Boys: Rohit Jaiswal, Ashish Kumar, Mayank Srivastava, Vivek Mishra, Sharat Chandra; Coach: Le Ziang
Girls: Tunya Devnath, Rakhi Devnath, Jhinuk Basu, Preeti Das, Meenakshi P; Coach: Shefali Malik
Rhythmic gymnastics: Rajni Sharma, Komal Nahar, Surekha