Fit-again Poonia aims to defend CWG gold

New Delhi, May 2: Having recovered from a groin injury, which had laid her low for most of last year, ace discus thrower Krishna Poonia says she is now geared up to defend the gold she won in 2010 Delhi CWG in what could be her last hurrah after a successful 10-year international career.
Poonia, who is leaving for United States tomorrow for two-and-a-half month training cum exposure stint ahead of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, says she is 100 per cent fit now and expecting to be in peak form during the July 23-August 3 event.
“I am now 100 per cent fit and ready for the tough season ahead with the CWG and Asian Games coming up. In my United States stint, I am looking to further build my strength and a few international events before Glasgow,” Poonia said in an interview.
“I have never felt so good in the last two years after suffering an injury following London Olympics. It could just be a defining season for me. I have become the first Indian woman individual gold medallist in CWG and I want to add to that history by defending my title in Glasgow,” Poonia, who will train under 1972 Olympics gold medallist Mac Wilkins at Chula Vista in California till mid July, said.
Poonia, who will turn 32 next month, said she may think about her future after the Incheon Asian Games, to be held in September-October.
“I am not becoming any younger and 2016 Olympics is two years away. I have not decided as yet as to whether I would think of going for Rio 2016. So, I will think over my future career after the Asian Games. I will be able to know by that time whether I should continue till 2016,” she said.
“I have been in the international circuit since 2004 and I have achieved so many laurels for the country in the last 10 years and now I feel I can do the country proud for one more time,” she said.
Poonia has not had an international competition since July last year and a national event since August last but she said she did 60m at training and she should pick up. (PTI)