Indian athletes must focus on preparations for Paris Olympics & not get intimidated by the hype: Colin Jackson
Kolkata, December 14: Tata Steel Kolkata 25K 2023 Event Ambassador and former Welsh 110m hurdles world record holder Colin Jackson today said the Indian athletes participating at the 2024 Paris Olympics must not get intimidated by the hype and the environment, rather concentrate on their preparations.
Here in Kolkata for the eighth edition of Tata Steel Kolkata 25K, Colin, who won a silver medal at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, also termed India a “sleeping giant” in world athletics.
He was overwhelmed to see the response from the city and wished the participants the very best.
“India is indeed a sleeping giant in World Athletics. India have performed well at the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and also at Olympics recently. I would advice to the youngsters that this sport is for you, don’t shy away from it, grab it and go for the win. It is about staying focused and giving your best on the particular day,” Jackson said.
“The most important thing for the Indian athletes is not to get intimidated by the environment at the Olympics. It is important to take it as any other event, not to think it is Olympics and put more burden on oneself. I will advice them to take Olympics as any other competition.
“There will be several top, athletes at the Olympics, so to give your best and perform is important. Take it as you are running at World Championship or Diamond League or any other event. Keep your preparations well and train normally and not too hard,” the 56-year-old added.
Jackson, who also won two World Championship titles in 1993 and 1999, feels India’s Tokyo Olympics hero Neeraj Chopra will give his all to defend his Javelin Gold at the Paris Olympics.
“He (Neeraj) is really focused and committed. He has clear perspective and pure quality which excites me a lot about him. To be able to defend your title at the Olympics will be a great achievement for him. I think he needs to stay calm and do what he has been doing till date,” he said.
Speaking about his association with TSK 25K, the sprinter said, “It is a moment of great pride to be associated with TSK 25K. I hope on Sunday it will be a great race. I am looking forward to the race day and I wish the runners the very best.”
“For me participating in a World Championship would be same as Olympics, that’s what gave me longevity. For me there was no favoritism, it is about giving the best on the given day. Success changes all the time. For me success is about leaving the positive legacy behind you that makes one successful.
“The fact is that running has the power to bring the community together. And that’s the beauty of this sport. It’s inclusive and all are one,” he signed-off.
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ABOUT TATA STEEL
Tata Steel group is among the top global steel companies with an annual crude steel capacity of 35 million tonnes per annum. It is one of the world’s most geographically diversified steel producers, with operations and commercial presence across the world and an employee base of over 77,000. The Company has received the World Economic Forum’s Global Lighthouse recognition for its Jamshedpur, Kalinganagar and IJmuiden Plants. A Great Place to Work-CertifiedTM organisation, the group recorded a consolidated turnover of ~US$30.3 billion in the financial year ending March 31, 2023.
The organisation strives to create an environment that encourages its employees to reach their full potential. The Company’s strategic focus on people development, cultural transformation, innovation, technology, and sustainability leadership will be the key to becoming the most respected and valuable steel company globally.
While sport has served as a unique link between Tata Steel’s businesses and the community, its role in the Company’s culture and identity has grown stronger than ever. Tata Steel through its sports academies and training/feeder centres, have helped shape some of India’s most successful sporting talents over the last many years.
Other than having promoted and patronised professional sportspersons at both the national and international levels, the Company has continually been proactively fostering a culture of fitness amongst not just its employees, but the masses through the Runs, organised in several cities across India.
Being a trademark event, Tata Steel Kolkata 25K 2023 always inspires to go the distance, in terms of a social cause as well as health and wellbeing. The event has transcended sport in the East of India and has given the professional and amateur distance runners, a platform to compete, shine and qualify to participate in other accredited races.
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Introduction: IDFC FIRST Bank’s vision is to build a world-class bank in India that’s guided by ethics, powered by technology, and a force for social good. IDFC FIRST is a new age bank that works in the best interest of its customers.
Customer-First Philosophy: The Bank has a customer-first philosophy and offers high-quality products to our customers. In any product we launch, we bring something special to our customers. For instance, the Bank is the first and only bank in India that offers Zero fees for 28 essential services on Savings Accounts including for ATM cash withdrawals, IMPS, RTGS, NEFT, Cash Deposits at branches, Cash withdrawals at branches, SMS Alerts, Cheque book, Demand Drafts, Pay-order, duplicate statements, etc.
IDFC FIRST Bank is the first bank to offer monthly credit in savings accounts, so customers earn more with us. The bank’s credit cards have unique features such as lifetime free, never-expiring rewards points, zero interest on cash withdrawal at ATMs and low APR, so customer incur less fees on our Credit Cards.
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ABOUT PROCAM INTERNATIONAL
Since its inception in 1988, Procam International has been the driving force behind the growth and development of sports management in India. Founded by Anil and Vivek Singh, Procam is India’s premier sports management company and is involved in live events, sports consultancy, and live television production.
With astute planning and exemplary execution, Procam has a track record of conceptualising and promoting over 100 international events, across the disciplines of Powerboat Racing, Cricket, Football, Tennis, Distance Running, Squash, WWE, Horse Racing, Volleyball, among others. These events have elicited participation of the highest calibre of athletes and huge public interest and attendance.
Pioneers of the distance running movement in India, Procam International’s Big 4 – Tata Mumbai Marathon, Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon, Tata Consultancy Services World 10K and Tata Steel Kolkata 25 K — are global leaders in their respective distances. They have ushered in a running revolution that has helped redefine, the health, fitness, and ‘giving’ paradigm of our country.
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