State skaters grab bronze

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Hyderabad, Nov. 26: Hyderabad skater Anup Kumar Yama contributed two bronze medals to India’s medal tally at the Asian Games on Friday as he bagged one in the men’s singles free skating before combining with Avani Panchal of Vizag to finish third in the pairs event.

Anup totalled 244.2 points (123.6 on technical merit and 120.6 for artistic impression) in his singles routine. In the pairs event, Anup and Avani combined for a score of 222 which included 112.5 points on technical merit and 109.5 for artistic impression.

“We could have done better but for stiff competition from the Chinese but it’s an amazing feeling to have won a medal,” Anup told this newspaper from Guangzhou.

The 26-year-old was all praise for his partner Avani. “She is very artistic and beautiful. It’s great to watch her skate. She works really hard and we gel well in the rink,” he added.

Avani was quick to return the compliment. “It’s different when I am skating with Anup. On Thursday, I was nervous during my (individual) short-program but today, with Anup for company, I was supremely confident — I knew he would never let me fall come what may... he’s the best skater in India,” she said.

“The script was a nice one. Yesterday, we played birds in the forest clad in outfits that suited the jungle theme. Today, it was about peace and spreading love. So we were wearing all whites,” the 19-year-old explained.

The chemistry between the two is extraordinary. Being residents of different cities, their practice sessions are limited to a week, once a month. “It’s a bit difficult but we have been able to manage it so far,” chuckled Avani, a second year engineering student at Anits College.

“I saw her at a state championship and was impressed by her moves. Gradually, I got to know her and when we paired up, the dance routine came out very well. We’ve been carrying on ever since,” Anup, a gemologist, informed.

“We’ve had very little time to practice together but are extremely happy to have pulled this one off,” an elated Anup added.

Pic Caption:
Bronze medallists Anup Kumar Yama (left) of Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam’s Avani Panchal smile on the podium during the presentation ceremony for the pairs roller skating event in Guangzhou on Friday.