Indian athletes at Asian Games worried for Kerala flood victims
The tragedy unfolding in the aftermath of the Kerala floods is finding an echo in faraway Indonesia where athletes from the state are worried but have their minds focused on the Asian Games. A swimmer didn't even know of it until a journalist inquired, a sprinter is worried, while a hockey player is just relieved that his family is in a safe zone.
Seeking govt's assistance for safety status of athletes' families: Chef-de-mission
India's chef-de-mission at the ongoing Games, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, said that the athletes will be updated on the safety status of their families after seeking the Home Ministry's assistance. "They need support and we want them to compete without taking any load," Singh said.
34 Indian athletes in the tournament belong to Kerala
Kerala's representation is strong in the Indian teams of athletics, volleyball, and basketball beside a significant presence in squads for swimming and hockey. The number adds up to 34 in all. The athletes are dealing with the conflicting emotions of being so far away from home amid a calamity that has claimed over 300 lives till now in the state.
Didn't expect the situation to be so severe: Sprinter Anas
"My family is in a safe zone but a lot of my relatives and friends are affected by the terrible floods. I didn't expect the situation to be so severe," sprinter Muhammed Anas, who is the 400m national record-holder and a strong medal-contender at the ongoing Games, said. Anas hails from Nilamel town near Thiruvananthapuram, which has been relatively better off.
Seen the devastation with my own eyes: Long-jumper Shreeshankar
Long-jumper Shreeshankar, 19, competing in his maiden Asiad, spoke of the fear of losing his grandparents who were eventually traced out in the Idukki district. "I've seen the devastation with my own eyes, people dying, houses being flooded. My own maternal grandfather's family could not be contacted. Now I've been told by my parents that they were contacted through phone yesterday," Shreeshankar said.
Maternal family members stuck; hope they are safe: Swimmer Sajan
Swimmer Sajan Prakash, who finished fifth in the 200m butterfly event last night, is still awaiting some update on his family members but managed to break the national record nonetheless. "My mother is in Tamil Nadu but my maternal family members are stuck in Kerala. We haven't been able to contact them. I'd like to hope they are at a safe place," he added.
My heart goes out to affected people: PR Sreejesh
Hockey captain PR Sreejesh said even though his family is safe, his heart goes out to the affected people. "I feel for those who are affected in Kerala. It's time we as Indians should unite and extend all our help to the people of Kerala. The state has never witnessed such devastation. My wife is from Idukki which is severely affected," he said.
