Olympic inclusion fuels Manikandan's dreams of golden summit

BENGALURU: Indian climber Manikandan Kumar, who claimed three medals in the International Federation of Sport Climbing's para circuit this season, welcomed the International Olympic Committee's decision to bring the sport into the Games fold for Tokyo 2020. The move, former para world champion Manikandan said, offered him the opportunity to make India's presence felt at the highest level.
"It's a dream come true and I hope to represent my country in the Games and win an Olympic medal," the 30-year-old told TOI on his return to India following fine performances in World Cup events in United Kingdom (gold), Italy (silver) and Austria (bronze) apart from a 10th place finish in the World Championships in Paris.
The sport was recently approved for the Tokyo Games, along with baseball/softball, karate, skateboarding, and surfing. "It will be a very important event. I want to train harder in the next four years and I plan to go abroad to make use of the expertise and infrastructure there," he added. Such is Manikandan's focus that he is not bogged down by the lack of world-class facilities or paucity of funds.
"Things are not easy. A lot of teams have coaches, physiotherapists and motivators. When I go for events, it is only me. I have to make sure I am motivated and I stay healthy," he said, acknowledging the support of social welfare minister H Anjaneya and the General Thimayya National Academy of Adventure apart from his many well-wishers, in arranging for sponsors.
"Their support enabled me to train in Canada this year," he said, talking about his stint under noted climber Kimanda Jarzebiak since May. "I will be going there again in January. I hope to win as many medals as possible in the 12 world cup events in the next two seasons. That will help me stay in shape for the Games."
Manikandan, who participates in the Arthritis and Neurological Physical Disability category, was born into a family of limited means. He was struck down by polio in his right leg at a young age and lived with his parents and two younger brothers in a single-bedroom house in the city. He worked in a nut and bolt factory after his schooling before shooting to fame with a world championships gold (2012) and silver (2014).
Climbing happened almost by accident after a camp for the physically challenged in Ramanagaram in 2002 and the youngster picked up tips from a few who indulged in the sport. Still in a nascent stage then, the sport offered Manikandan a way to get past his difficulties. He now coaches in his free time.
Manikandan, the only climber from India who has won three gold, seven silver and one bronze medal, lamented the lack of a permanent sponsor even as he looks to bridge the gap between Indian climbers and their international counterparts.
"We are still 10 years behind the current generation. None of the other climbers have even taken part in world championships in three seasons so a sponsor will really help me. I remain hopeful," he said. "This is my life, I want to achieve so that Indian climbers have someone to look up to."
CLIMBING BASICS
Climbing competitions conducted by the International Federation of Sport Climbing normally comprise three types of competitions. Medals are awarded taking into account the cumulative total of a climber's points.
Lead climbing - In this event, a route is set according with a specific difficulty and category in mind. Climbers have to use clips and attempt to reach the most number of holds on a 15m wall. Whoever makes it to the maximum number of holds will be considered the winner.
Bouldering - A tough route is set and a bonus hold is demarcated just before the top hold on a 5m wall. Climbers who make it to the top with the least number of attempts and most bonus points is crowned the winner.
Speed climbing - Climbers face off against each other on identical routes on 15m walls. The person who gets to the top fastest and hits the buzzer is the winner.