Team Fiji long distance runner Avikash Lal is setting his goals high and will be using the 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games as a stepping stone.

The 22-year-old from Nadi was inspired to run by his dad who is planning to take his career a step further.

“Long distance running has and will always be my lifetime career. I love running, it gives me a sense of freedom but at the same it’s something I really want to be good at,” he said.

“The amount of support and encouragement from my family has been overwhelming and the fact that I will be competing in the Asian Games for the first time, is really exciting. I’m hoping to reach the 2020 Olympic Games which will be held in Japan and I think competition such as the Asian Games will prepare me well.

“Every tournament that I will be participating from now on will be a stepping stone for me to reach my goal.”

Travelling to Turkmenistan for the first time and competing in an indoor venue, Lal says, it’s something beyond his imagination.

“I know one thing is clear, I will find it interesting competing indoors and going up against some athletes I’ve never encountered before.

“I want to give it my best shot and learn what I can from those who are more experienced runners so I can improve on my performance. “To be given this opportunity is amazing and I want to make the most of it as possible.” –

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