Indian Athletes Embrace Overseas Training Camps for Paris Olympics

Indian athletes are embracing a new training strategy in preparation for the Paris Olympics, opting for short, objective-specific training camps abroad. These camps provide access to world-class facilities, sparring partners, and coaching expertise that are not readily available in India.

Priyanka Goswami, India's leading race walker, has been forced to adjust her training plans due to visa issues. Despite the setback, she remains committed to her goal of competing at the highest level. Her training regimen includes stints in Switzerland, France, and Germany, where she will focus on improving her technique and endurance.

Sharath Kamal, India's top male paddler, has also opted for an overseas training camp in Germany. The 41-year-old is seeking to sharpen his skills and intensity on the table in preparation for the Olympics. He believes that training with world-class players will help him identify and address areas for improvement.

Other Indian athletes who have benefited from overseas training camps include boxers Nikhat Zareen, Lovlina Borgohain, Parveen Hooda, and Preeti Pawar, who spent time in Turkey sparring with boxers of varied styles. Wrestler Anshu Malik credits a month-long training stint in Japan for her technical developments.

The primary benefit of these overseas camps is the opportunity to engage with quality sparring partners, especially in contact sports like boxing and wrestling. However, other factors, such as access to ideal training conditions and equipment, can also play a role.

For Priyanka, finding flat roads for training in high-altitude places in India is a challenge. Hence, she has opted for a month-long camp in Switzerland's Saint Moritz. Sharath, on the other hand, chose to move to Germany because the tables and balls there mirror the ones at the Paris Games.

These overseas training camps are a testament to the growing professionalism and dedication of Indian athletes. By embracing this new strategy, they are maximizing their chances of success on the world stage.

Tags: #ParisOlympics, #TrainingCamps, #IndianAthletes, #RaceWalking, #TableTennis