Guwahati set for 2nd leg of Asian Grand Prix

Guwahati, June 19 (UNI) Braving inclement weather and militant threat, the second leg of the Asian Grand Prix is all set to kick off on Saturday even as most of the top Asian athletes are staying away, resting before the Osaka World Championship.

Around 235 athletes of 20 countries would be participating in the day-long meet, to be inaugurated by Union Sports Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar.

Even though athletes from UAE would not be participating, the country's flag would be put up in the venue, taking the total number of countries to 21.

Into its sixth year, the Asian Grand Prix series this year has a three-leg circuit with the opener being held today at the National Stadium in Bangkok.

Started in 2002 with a view to providing top-level competition to the Asian athletes, especially those who are unable to get into the more lucrative Golden League and Grand Prix meets, the Asian circuit has given opportunities to the ''lesser lights'', particularly from the host countries, to have a taste of a higher level of competition.

The final leg of this year's Asian Grand Prix is slated for June 27 at Pune.

Some big names in athletics like Zhu Zhi (China, 400m hurdles), Li Yanxi (China, triple jump), Wu Tao (China, triple jump) and the fastest woman of Doha Asian Games Khubbieva Guzel of Uzbekistan have confirmed their participation in the 2nd leg, while the Indian contingent will figure stars like Anju Bobby George (long jump).

Participation of more than seven Asian Games champions is expected to give the event the status it needs.

The total prize money for the second leg has been estimated at Rs 1.5 crore, besides medals and certificates. AAA president Pradeep Buragohain said security arrangements have been put in place, and preparations are being made to conduct the event successfully.

The 68-member Indian contingent (including officials) would comprise eight athletes from the host state and is the biggest contingent, followed by China and Thailand.

''Being the hosts, we have urged the Atheletics Federation of India to grant permission to field more faces of the state.

Following its nod, we have selected eight athletes for five events,'' Mr Buragohain added.

The events would be held at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium at Sarusajai.

While the weather might not be best for the players, with the monsoons threatening to be vigorous in the coming few days, but the organizers are hoping that the events would go on uninterrupted.

UNI