Dilip Gavit is not content with making Commonwealth Games history in Glasgow. Fresh off a record-breaking gold medal on his debut, the Indian para sprinter has already shifted his focus to an even bigger target: breaking world records in both the 100m and 400m at the upcoming Para Asian Games in Japan.
The T47 para-athlete, who stunned the field by winning the Dili, said his next goal is to push the boundaries of para athletics while continuing to make India proud.
“I want to set world records in the 100m and 400m at the Asian Games. At the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, I won gold in the 400m. It was my first time competing in the 100m at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, and I won the gold medal with a Games record,” Gavit told PTI on the sidelines of a felicitation ceremony organised by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya to honour India’s Commonwealth Games medallists.
BIGGER GOALS AHEAD
Gavit revealed he is aiming to clock 10.28 seconds in the 100m, a time that would put him close to India’s able-bodied national record.
“I want to run 10.28 seconds. Earlier, I competed in able-bodied events. I won gold medals at the national level among able-bodied athletes and at the Khelo India Games. Back then, I mainly competed in the 400m,” he said.
Competing in the T47 category for athletes with upper limb impairments, Gavit acknowledged that the Para Asian Games would present a much sterner challenge than the Commonwealth Games.
“I’ll be competing in both the 400m and the 100m. The level of competition will be higher. My coach will prepare me accordingly,” he said.
Despite switching between sprint distances, Gavit said he has never found it difficult to balance the two events.
“I usually compete in the 400m, so running the 100m wasn’t difficult for me. I just had to sprint. I wasn’t under any pressure because I really enjoy the 100m. I just went out, sprinted and had a lot of fun racing,” he added.
A TRIBUTE TO HIS GURU
For Gavit, the Commonwealth Games triumph carried an emotional significance. He dedicated the gold medal to his personal coach, Vaijanath Kale, whose guidance has shaped his career over the past decade.
“The day I ran the 100m in Glasgow was Guru Purnima. My coach Kale sir always tells me that no matter what happens, the only goal should be to make India proud. His words stayed in my mind.
“I was determined. I had decided that if I won the gold medal that day, I would dedicate it to my guru,” he said.
Gavit recalled how Kale took him under his wing in 2016, providing not only coaching but also unwavering support.
“Kale sir kept me at his home, treated me like a family member and gave me all the training and support I needed,” he said.
NO TIME TO SLOW DOWN
While many athletes would choose to celebrate a breakthrough victory, Gavit insists there is little time to rest with the Para Asian Games on the horizon.
“I’ve already had enough rest during this period. I don’t want to rest. There are more competitions ahead, and I need to be ready for them. That’s why training is extremely important,” he said.
The Indian sprinter added that his immediate focus would return to the 400m, believing that the endurance work required for the event will also sharpen his performances in the shorter sprint.
“Now I’ll return and resume training for the 400m. My coach will decide the training accordingly. Training for the 400m automatically helps with the 100m as well, but the main focus will be on the 400m,” he said.
Having already etched his name into Commonwealth Games history, Gavit is now chasing an even bigger prize. If his ambitions become reality in Japan, the Indian sprinter could add world records to an already rapidly growing list of achievements.
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