India's star athlete Ashwini Akkunji is all set to impress at the Commonwealth Games 2014 and has vowed to return with at least one medal for her country.
The 26-year-old Ashwini, who was banned for 2 years from taking part in any sporting event for having committed a doping violation before making a return, is confident of a good show in Glasgow.
It's now been a year since her ban ceased and Ashwini appears to be raring to have a go for gold at the games.
"I will try my level best to win a medal and possibly a gold in the individual event that I will be competing in," Ashwini was quoted as saying by India Today. The competition this time is harder but my timing has been good."
Ashwini, who last witnessed her major win at the 2010 Asian Games held in Gangzhou where she won a gold medal in the 400 metre hurdles and the 4x400m relay, had also won a gold in the 4x400m relay event in the Commonwealth games four years ago in Delhi.
The Karnataka resident, who was forced to miss the 2012 London Olympics due to the ban, still pledges her innocence in the matter by claiming that she had consumed nothing but protein supplements provided by her coach.
The athlete, however, chose not to dwell on her past and cited having no other ambition than to move on and make a strong comeback at the games.
"Let bygones be bygones. I believe in moving forward. The doping ban is now a closed chapter in my life. I learnt vital lessons. I believe everything will be good from now on," Ashwini added.
India, who had managed to amass a big haul of 101 medals in CWG 2010 mainly due to enjoying home advantage, can expect things to be a lot more different in Glasgow, as the weather conditions could come into play.
"In Delhi we were the hosts and that really added to our performance. But conditions in Glasgow are different, so one may see a little dip in the medal tally. The count of 70-80 should be satisfactory," Ashwini said. "We are already short on 36 medals with a few events being taken off. But you never know, a playing field is as unpredictable as life."
Despite the hurdles, the hurdler is hopeful of winning one medal each at both the solo and the group event where she partners with Manjeet Kaur, Mandeep Kaur and Sini Jose.
"It's a great feeling to see the tri-colour unfurl and move up, just as you hear and sing the national anthem while on the podium. I am itching to feel and witness the moment again."
