I can still make it to CWG: Balakrishnan

CHENNAI: The inadvertent attack would confine MB Balakrishnan to the bed for almost 10 days, and another week’s rest before he can resume his practice. So in effect he would lose 17 days of invaluable preparation for the Games.

Hence he wouldn’t be able to join the camp, slated for next week in Delhi, on time.

“Hopefully, he can join the camp in the latter stages,” said his father.

Physically he might recover soon, but the key for his performance hinges on how soon he puts this incident behind him, and regains his composure, for sport is as much a test of mental endurance as physical exertion.

“He is mentally strong and should be able to regain his composure. As soon as his wounds were stitched up, he was inquiring about when he can get back to pool,” said his father.

However, this would disrupt his build-up, which until now has been running smooth, for the Games.

Only recently did he break the national meet record in 100m backstroke at the 64th National Aquatics meet in Jaipur.

He covered the distance in 0:58.30 minutes, well inside Poncha’s 2007 meet record of 0:59.12 and within striking distance of Ranajoy Punja’s longstanding National record of 0:58.02 set in 1989. Last year, he came into the collective consciousness of the swimming fraternity with a gold in SAF Games.

His mentor T Chandrasekar, swimming coach at the SDAT swimming complex in Shenoy Nagar, and District Sports Officer, was dismayed.

“His aim was to peak for the Games, and was on course for it. He wanted to be at his best before the coaching camp, and we were working hard on several aspects. But the boy is courageous and I’m sure he will be fit in time,” he said.

The flurry of friends and relatives has eased the tense atmosphere at the hospital a bit. And shrugging his bandaged head, Balakrishnan looks forward to the Games. “I still believe I can make it. This incident will only spur me and make me mentally fitter,” said the Anna University Engineering student. A medal at the Games though would make his tale heartening.