The Asian Athletics Championships medallist, Indian javelin thrower DP Manu is embarking on a crucial 32-day training camp at the North West University High-Performance Centre in Potchefstroom, South Africa, starting in the first week of March. During his stint in Potchefstroom, DP Manu, will also compete in various local athletics events to prepare for the upcoming season.

Potchefstroom is renowned for its world-class facilities and has become a popular training destination for elite athletes, including Neeraj Chopra, who also trained there under the government’s Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).

DP Manu to train in South Africa

Manu is currently training at the Army Sports Institute (ASI) in Pune. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) in their 125th meeting approved Asian Athletics Championship Silver medallist Manu DP’s proposal to train in Potchefstroom.

With the Paris 2024 Olympics slated for July-August this year, Manu DP will aim to meet the men’s javelin throw qualifying standards for the upcoming Summer Games, set at 85.50m. So far, two Indians – Neeraj Chopra and Kishore Jena – have managed to breach the mark.

Earlier this year, the MOC, under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), had also approved Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra’s proposal to train at the same location where Manu is now planning to train.

Chopra, however, has already left for the Gloria Sports Arena in Turkey for a 79-day-long training stint before starting his season ahead of the upcoming Olympics.

Along with Manu DP, the MOC also approved Indian shooter Esha Singh’s proposal for financial assistance towards ammunition testing and grip-making at Italy’s Pardini Factory. She and her coach will head to Tuscany, Italy.

MOC also approved the proposals for new javelins for para-athletes Navdeep Singh and Pushpendra Singh.

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