Teammates will be my main challengers: Paul
The Hindu
Indian triple jumpers are capable of sweeping the medals at the CWG
If this year’s performance list in the Commonwealth region is any indication, India should be winning all the men’s triple jump medals in Birmingham.
For Indians occupy the top four rungs and three of them — Commonwealth leader Abdulla Aboobacker (17.19m), No. 2 Praveen Chithravel (17.18) and No. 4 Eldhose Paul (16.99) — will in action in the Commonwealth Games.
But that is not how things work out at the majors and the recent Worlds offered some valuable lessons on that.
Still it was the 25-year-old Paul, yet to reach 17m, who made the biggest move in Oregon, becoming the first Indian triple jumper to enter the Worlds final and finishing a creditable ninth with 16.79m.
Finishing behind the Navyman were defending World champion Christian Taylor (16.48, qualification) and multiple Olympic medallist Will Claye (16.54, final).
“Those were fanboy moments for me, got a lot of lessons from them,” said Paul in chat with The Hindu from Birmingham on Friday.
Paul believes Indians will be a force to reckon at the Commonwealth Games.