Imphal, October 28: Track and field, as considered to be the most important event has always held a valued place in the field of sports.

As the countdown to the ensuing XXXI Punjab National Games continues people of this sports loving state may openly ask one question at this juncture: whether state athletes will be able to maintain their pride and reputation or not? The answer is yes.

Whatever was achieved in the country's biggest sports competition, the V National Games, where the haul was 7 gold, 5 silver and 2 bronze medals, was the contribution of athletes in the state's sporting ethos.

With records creating history by many a state athlete and double crown by international distance runner N Gojen in 5000 m and 10,000m this contributed immensely to raising the state's image in track and field sports.

This time too, N Gojen Singh will be hoping to present at least two gold medals to his home state.

He is vying in 5000m and 10,000m events and expectation are high for him.

But more importantly he should be aiming to better his own record of 14:27.06 sec in 5000m and 30:27.26 sec in 10,000m in order to enable him to push back Gulap Chand, his arch rival in this competition.

In men�s marathon again O Oken and E Shyam, not only the holders of gold and bronze medal respectively but also the record holders have now to work hard to beat Durga Oran of Delhi, an experienced marathon runner.

Mention may be made here that four runners including fourth place H Ingoba, a local lad broke the national record with a timing of 2 hrs 24.15 mins, 2:24:45, 2::25:53 and 2:27:36 sec while the previous record was 2:34:04 sec.

In 50 km men�s walk Th Brajamani Singh, the title holder in the last edition intends to bring back the medal while Nishikanta, the bronze medal holder will put his maximum effort for improving his place.

The last medal contender in men�s competition will be K Inaotomba in 20 km walk.

His fast improvement and dedication in this particular event has inspired the fans.

In women�s competition, H Sangini, though a new face in women�s marathon, is confidently vying for gold medal.

Being a former international triathlete her experience is expected to contribute towards her success.

And one can easily expect another record breaking day.

But she needs to apply her home work to overcome Rigzon Angmo, a Naga damsel of Delhi who created a new games record with a timing of 3 hrs 02.15 sec in the last national games.

And more particularly she has to take into account Sharda Chandel of Punjab who is on her home turf.

Y Balla, title holder in 10 km women�s walk is competing in the upgraded 20 km women�s walk along with L Deepmala, another promising athlete.

Both are hoping to rewrite history.

But they should not forget that they have to beat both Paramjit Kaur and Jasmin Kaur on their home ground.

In 5000m and 10,000m womens long distance run Aruna or Pasotleima are expected to come out with flying colours.

As for Zebeshwori, who pocketed a gold medal in women's jammer throw in the last edition she may, this time, decide to represent Bengal because of her Bengali husband.

However, if it does not happen the state may increase its medal tally.

Brojashwori, another medal contender and product of the All Manipur Amateur Atheletics Association is likely to represent Assam.

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