Young Indian gymnast Mann Kothari, who had a medal-winning performance in his debut Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) in Madhya Pradesh, revealed how he got a chance to compete in the Games after almost missing out on the place by the slimmest margin.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The 16-year-old gymnast, who is training under the guidance of coach Vishal Katkadaund and Shailendra Lad, bagged two medals for Maharashtra -- silver and bronze medals in the horizontal bar and floor exercise respectively in artistic gymnastics category at the ongoing Khelo India Youth Games.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Speaking to about the challenges he faced as a gymnast, Mann said: "The constraint of the training facility is the major challenge, which makes the process of learning new skill much harder and clumsy. Facilities are slowly improving but there is still a long way to go.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"Another big challenge is consistent performance as one wrong move on the competition day can take away months of hard work. I almost lost an opportunity to make it for Khelo India this year, as I was not selected for Federation national by 0.1 points in the all-round category total due to a fall on the Vaulting table which cost almost 2 full marks.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"As Maharashtra was first in Federation Cup and Nationals, they got an opportunity to bring 3 more gymnasts for Khelo India and as I was next in line so got in."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Mann's achievements, besides his Khelo India medal in Madhya Pardesh, include National silver for the Sub-Junior category in 2019 and all-around champion at the Invitation meet in Hong Kong in 2014 at the age of 7.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The youngster believes that Khelo India has created a platform for young athletes to experience large format national level games and highlighted some aspects that need to be taken care of to take the Games to newer heights.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"It encourages us to look forward to the annual event and stay prepared in anticipation for the games, also my success has been a big source of joy and satisfaction for my parents and extended family which keeps me motivated and happy,' he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"While most of the aspects are well taken care of, some things that need attention are, the games schedule should be notified 6 months in advance, sufficient podium training time should be given to athletes, placement and visibility of scoring screens at the venue," 16-year-old added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Maharashtra is leading the total medal tally with 90 medals. The gymnastics competition was hosted by LNIPE Gwalior, and the Maharashtra team finished top with a total of 19 medals once again establishing its dominance in the game at the national level.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"While most of the aspects are well taken care of, some things that need attention are, the games schedule should be notified 6 months in advance, sufficient podium training time should be given to athletes, placement and visibility of scoring screens at the venue," 16-year-old added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n