The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Takhar turns toast of the nation

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Saturday, Nov 20, 2010
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Takhar turns toast of the nation

V.V. Subrahmanyam

City rower honed his skills in the waters of Hussainsagar

Boats reached the rowers at the Games venue at the last minute
Rowers lived in makeshift sheds on the shores of Hussainsangar in pitiable conditions

HYDERABAD: Bajrang Lal Takhar, who along with the entire Indian team honed his skills in city's Hussainsagar Lake, is now the toast of the nation by winning India's only second gold in the on-going Asian Games and also the first-ever in rowing (men's singles sculls) in the Asiad history. “This is the greatest day in my career. I could not have asked for a better performance,” said an elated Bajrang from China.

A stunning achievement considering the depths of despair the rowing contingent had hit even after it reached the Games venue as the boats did not reach them on time. Only last-minute efforts by C.P.S. Deo, Hyderabad-based president of RFI, ensured that the boats from the Pune Army unit reached the rowers on time.

This golden performance, coming close on the heels of the quartet of Anil Kumar, Saji Thomas, Ranjit Singh and Jenil Krishnan winning the silver in men's four and the other four-member team clinching another silver in the men's light weight final yesterday, is just the dream finish. For even today, India won a silver and a bronze besides Bajrang's gold in rowing.

A visibly elated C.P.S. Deo, president of Rowing Federation of India who hails from the city, feels vindicated for the belief he had in his rowers.

“This is a fantastic result. Hats off their commitment. A dream come true for everyone involved in rowing,” he exclaimed.

For Arjuna Awardee Jenil Krishnan who won his third medal (including the previous editions) in the Asiad. “The competition is as good as any of the world championships. Definitely, I would have been happier if only I had won the gold. But, I am pleased with the end-result,” were his comments.

Significantly, when these rowers, all of whom have made the city their second home (ironically a makeshift shed on the shores of Hussainsagar Lake in pitiable conditions) left the shores of Hussainsagar Lake, not many even bothered to pay attention, leave alone give the recognition they were due. But, like all champions, they preferred the best place - the waters of Guangzhou - to serve another reminder of their unbridled commitment and passion with which they compete under adverse conditions.

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