A memorable meet for C Babitha

THENHIPALAM: For C. Babitha and her coach K. Ramachandran, the 60th State School Athletic Championship at CH Muhammad Koya Stadium here will be a memorable one. As the athlete claimed her second meet record and gold medal, her coach counted the gold medals his wards had won so far. The tally currently stands at seven gold, two silver and three bronze. He expects to add five more to the tally.

To a certain extent, the meet-record smashing performance of Babitha in the 1,500 m race reflected the mood of her school Kalladi HSS School, Palakkad, and her coach. As she kept on leading, shattering the expectations of several of the spectators, who expected a late surge by her main contender Abitha Mary Manuel, Mr Ramachandran was busy shouting the tactics from outside the fence separating the gallery and track.

"The urge to win dates back exactly a year ago. Abitha outran me in the 1,500m race and it was a photo finish. I was preparing for the event for one year and I had done my homework this time. I ran according to the coach's instructions and I won," said Babitha. This is Babitha's ninth gold in five years of state school meet participation. Abitha, who has enough international exposure in youth category, had a disappointing run as Babitha kept on leading the entire race. "I advised her to run a lead race as to negate Abitha's height difference and sprint ability. It worked out nicely," said Mr Ramachandran.

"The win has elated me a lot. This is the seventh gold so far. I am glad that the wards are doing great. This is the result of their hardwork and never-die attitude. We have come with good preparation and I think Kalladi has a chance for overall now," he added. Babitha is aiming to make the 1,500m her favourite event. "I am confident in the event and will continue it," she said. Babitha has had a good run of form so far as she has won bronze in the Asian Youth Meet and a gold in the 4x400m relay last season.