Shiva Keshavan has always found his path strewn with adversities but it seems the tide is finally turning in his favour as he has has been landed an opportunity to train with the world-class US national luge team in the run-up to his fifth Winter Olympic appearance.
"I'll be training with the highly advanced US Luge team in the run-up to the (2014) Sochi Games but before that I need to sign an MoU with them. Everything has been finalised as my talks with them are at an advanced stage and we are in the process of finalising the agreement," Keshavan told PTI on his return to the country after spending time in Europe.
"I would be soon travelling to the US to plan out my training programme. The idea is to get enough exposure before setting off to defend my Asian title and compete in the nine World Cups later this year," said the 'fastest Indian on ice'.
Keshavan also informed that he was engaged in an active discussion with a leading Indian company, a pioneer in Research and Development (R&D) field, to provide him with advanced scientific training and equipments.
"I can't reveal you the name of the company as the deal has not been finalised as yet. It will take us 2-3 weeks before making an announcement. All I can tell you is that the company invests a lot in R&D and they would be providing me with hi-tech materials, aero-dynamics, new sled, equipments and scientific training. It's a technical collaboration which would be of big help to me," said Keshavan, who holds a top speed record of 149.9kmph.
The 31-year-old has identified three key areas to work upon in his bid to become the first Indian to win a medal at the Winter Olympics.
"First is getting the quality equipment and training. Then the initial propulsion, if I can improve upon my initial thrust by 2-3 seconds, it will be great. I am concentrating on start specific training. Third is technique because each track is different and you need to have the knowledge of the track. I am working on these aspects of my game," he said.
