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Rediff.com  » Sports » Poonia, Sudha check into London Games Village
This article was first published 12 years ago

Poonia, Sudha check into London Games Village

Last updated on: July 26, 2012 10:13 IST

Image: Indian athletes Krishna Poonia (left) and Sudha Singh with mentor Tessa Sanderson (centre)
Photographs: Harish Kotian Harish Kotian

The Indian contingent continued to grow at the Games Village, as star athletes Krishna Poonia and Sudha Singh checked in on Wednesday.

Krishna and Sudha could not hide their excitement when they spotted the Indian flag hanging out from the Indian Olympic team's building, "Titan".

"That's our team," Krishna said.

After going through the security checks, Krishna and Sudha were taken by bus to their apartment where both found out that they were allotted a room with an attached bathroom, something, according to them, "will be very convenient".

Later in the evening, Krishna and Sudha enjoyed the Indian menu at the dining hall.

Sudha, being vegetarian, preferred paneer while Krishna focussed on high protein diet (chicken tikka) .

"It all good but no match to the hospitality and warmth of the Commonwealth Games in Delhi," said Krishna. "I have fond memories of the Commonwealth Games 2010 athletes village." 

Sudha, Krishna get timely advice from mentor Sanderson

Image: Krishna Poonia
Photographs: Mark Dadswell / Getty Images

Sudha, who is competing in her first Olympics, was equally thrilled. "I am very happy to be here," she said.

Krishna is India's big hope for a medal in the women's discus throw event, while Sudha will look to make a mark in the 3000 metres steeplechase.

They will resume training at their training base in Basildon on Thursday.

"I am happy to be in the village but I have a job to do and I must remain focussed on the task in hand," said Krishna.

Her taste of competition at the Games begins with the qualification round on August 3, while Sudha will take part in her heats the following day.

The two athletes were also lucky enough to get some timely advice from British Olympic legend Tessa Sanderson at their training venue.

Tessa has been helping Indian athletes since 2008 as a mentor.