Breaking meet record was easy for jumper Kamalraj

“I had missed around 13 opportunities for breaking various records at different levels such as Junior Nationals, State meet, All-India University meet. This is the first-ever record I have managed to achieve and I feel relieved now,” said Kamalraj, who trains under the tutelage of Mohammed Nizammuddin.  Asked if he was positive about finishing on the podium in the meet in Sri Lanka, the Tirupur-based Kamalraj said, “My body was not in the right shape before the meet, but I was confident of clinching a medal. When I broke the record in my first attempt, I knew I would come back with a medal.” 

Kamalraj had clinched silver in the 8th Asian Indoor Athletic Championships in Iran in February. Having been part of a couple of international meets previously, the 19-year-old felt the competition was relatively easier at the South Asian Juniors.  “I went into the meet with positive frame of mind. It was comparatively easier as I had taken part in the senior category in those international meets. Since I competed in my age category (juniors) here, I feel the competition wasn’t as tough as the ones there,” he explained.  

The triple jumper will be joining the national camp in Thiruvananthapuram ahead of the Asian Junior Athletic Championship in Japan in June. Speaking on his objectives for the event, he said, “I have set my sights on breaking my personal best. Looking forward to breach the 16.41m mark. If I manage to do it, I am sure I will bag a medal there despite the presence of tougher opponents.”  

“I am grateful to my parents, Kanagaraj and Vijayalakshmi, for providing me all the facilities to be a part of various international events. I would also like to thank my coach,” concluded Kamalraj.