Raut eyes 2014 Asian Games

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Kavita Raut (right) during the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon on Sunday— PTI

After the disappointment of missing out the qualifying mark for the London Olympics, Kavita Raut on Sunday had something to cheer about.

Raut — who holds the course record at the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon of 1:17.12 secs set in 2008 — finished second among the Indian elite women clocking 1:19.53 secs. She returned to the event after three years.
The Nasik girl’s efforts boosted her confidence, who is now targetting the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea.
“I was depressed after missing the Olympics mark. I had worked really hard in the build-up to London, but just wasn’t there. I almost stopped training and participating in events.
“I didn’t come here with any target. I wanted to prove myself and everyone that I can still go for big tournaments,” said the 2010 Asian Games silver medallist in the 10,000 metres.
“I had hardly trained for this event so I am satisfied with my timing today. I am now focused to do well at the 2014 Asiad,” she added.
Meanwhile, top finisher among the Indians Sudha Singh — who had promised to challenge the Kenyans in the half marathon — said that she lacked practice ahead of the event.
“I underwent just two weeks of training and thus ran slow. Also I am not a marathoner, my event is 3000m steeplechase. I tried to give the Kenyans a fight and had even left a few of them behind,” said the 26-year-old 2010 Asian gold medallist.
Sudha said her participation had put her in the “competition groove” and she will now aim to return to form to compete in events like the World Championship next year.