Star runner Tintu Luka is at a critical juncture in her athletics career. The 29-year-old has finally recovered from injuries and is raring to go. She will be looking to do her best at the fitness trials for the Asian Games to be conducted on August 15. If she fails to make the cut, she would in all probability hang up her boots and devote her whole time to family life.
Tintu, who won a silver in the 2014 Asian Games and a bronze in the 2010 edition in 800m, has been staying away from competitions since she was hit by dengue fever during the Asian Championships in Bhubaneswar last year. She was advised bed rest for a couple of weeks and it took several months for her to resume training.
It was a tough and frustrating period for her, however it only increased Tintu’s motivation to work harder on her comeback.
After the year-long lay-off, she started training under the watchful eyes of her coach P T Usha at the Usha School of Athletics at Kinaloor and gradually regained her fitness. Within a few months, she managed to return to her old form.
She was planning to participate in the National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championship held in Guwahati in June to achieve the qualifying mark for the Asian Games. However, an injury in the form of plantar fasciitis spoiled all her plans. Plantar fasciitis, also known as Runner's Heel, is one of the most common injuries among athletes, characterised by a sharp pain in the heel and arch of the foot. Tintu has recuperated well with the help of a physiotherapist, but she is yet to start practising wearing spikes.
Although Tintu has been named in the 4x400m relay squad for the Asian Games, she will be included in the team only if she proves her fitness and timing at the trials to be held in Thiruvananthapuram on August 15.
“I’m able to reach this far only because of God’s blessings. I’m confident of doing well in the fitness trials. I have no reason to feel dejected even if I fail to make the cut,” Tintu said.
P T Usha has made it clear that she will not force her protege to return to tracks. “She will take part in the Games only if she regains her previous form,” the legendary sprinter said.
Tintu has also plans to get married soon. When asked about it, she said: “The only thing on mind right now is doing well at the fitness trials. Everything else can wait.”
