ATHLETICS | Chithravel able to leaping 17.50m this yr, says coach Betanzos

Two years in the past, when triple jumper Praveen Chithravel broke the National file with a surprising 17.37m in Cuba, many had puzzled how real it was.

Was he examined in Havana, was the query that always popped up?

A yr later, the Tamil Nadu athlete may solely handle a weak 16.25m on the Paris Olympics, failing to qualify for the ultimate and ending twenty seventh total. Not many have been stunned, for Chithravel has been one of many nation’s most inconsistent athletes.

That had put him beneath numerous stress. He wished to show the world mistaken.

This yr, the 23-year-old is attempting so as to add some consistency to his act even whereas chasing the large jumps.

After a 17.13m effort ultimately month’s Bengaluru Jumps Indian Open, the Asian Games bronze medallist stunningly equalled his National file on the Federation Nationals right here on Thursday. That additionally helped him qualify for this September’s World Championships in Tokyo.

So what’s Chithravel able to doing this yr?

“There can be a giant shock for everyone from me. But I gained’t let you know how far I can leap this yr, that would be the shock… I’m simply praying that I keep injury-free. The focus this yr is on the Worlds,” stated Chithravel, now third on this yr’s world checklist, in a chat with The Hindu.

Cuban Yoandri Betanzos, a former two-time Worlds silver medallist who coaches Chithravel on the JSW’s IIS Ballari centre, threw some gentle on the approaching ‘shock’.

“This yr, my plan for him is 17.50m. He can be doing that on the Inter-State Nationals (Chennai, August) and the Worlds,” stated Betanzos.

Where has Chithravel improved?

“Here,” stated the Cuban, pointing to the pinnacle.

“He has energy, pace, and approach. Only, I want to speak to him increasingly more psychologically to enhance him. He jumped solely 70% right here.”

With Asian champion Abdulla Aboobacker additionally in 17m kind this yr, triple leap is ready for some thrilling days.