MPFI keen to take part at the Asian Games
Namdev Shirgaonkar, Founder Secretary of MPFI at a press meet yesterday
Modern Pentathlon Federation of India (MPFI), an organisation set up in the city in 2010, has applied for recognition with the sports ministry. The MPFI is already affiliated to the Indian Olympic Association and is responsible for nurturing the sport that is taking baby steps in the country despite being part of the Olympics since 2012.
Namdev Shirgaonkar, Founder Secretary of MPFI at a press meet yesterday
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Speaking at a media event yesterday, Namdev Shirgaonkar, Founder Secretary of MPFI and Executive Board Member of the IOA said, “We are already part of the IOA and hope to be part of the (sports) ministry soon. We expect the approval to come through by the end of March or beginning April.”
Shirgaonkar added that the sport has been running without any funding from the government or private sponsorships. He expects things to change once the MPFI is recognised by the sports ministry. “Once you get recognition then you can ascertain what category you fall into for grants and the structure for it. First thing is to be recognized,” he explained.
Asian Games on mind
The Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea, later this year will be the first major event for Indian pentathletes and Shirgaonkar sounded fairly confident of bagging a medal. “We can win medals. We are going to train in Hungary and Singapore to prepare for that.”
Overall, the sport is a daunting one requiring expensive gear. But, Shirgaonkar is confident that this won’t deter youngsters from taking it up and with help from various quarters excelling in it.
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