New Delhi:
Commonwealth Games gold medallist discus thrower Krishna Poonia is ready to face world champion Dani Samuels for the USD 20,000 winner-takes-all contest anywhere in the world as long as the Asian Games preparation is not compromised, said her husband Virender.
Australian media had reported that Samuels was hurt by Poonia's pre-Games comment that her "poor form" was the reason behind her pull out from the just-concluded CWG and she now wants a 'revenge match'.
Poonia's husband Virender said Krishna was ready to face the challenge anywhere but they would not compromise on the preparation of the Asian Games next month.
"Krishna is preparing for the Asian Games. So we won't compromise on her training. If she (Dani) wants to compete with her before the Asian Games then let her come to India. Krishna is ready to face her anywhere. Do it in USA if you want but it has to be within a week after the Games," Virender, who is also her coach, told PTI.
"I don't understand why she is making such a fuss. She should have competed then in Games. Krishna has been training for the last one year and after the Asiad she also needs rest. We will go home as we haven't been there. So if she (Dani) wants to have a competition at that time, I don't know if it would be possible," he added.
Samuels had pulled out of the Commonwealth Games at the last minute citing health and safety concerns.
Poonia's throw of 61.51m not only made her the first Indian track-and-field athlete to win a Commonwealth gold medal in 52 years but she also became the first Indian woman to win a CWG gold.
33-year-old discus thrower Poonia has a personal best of 63.69m, which she did in April while Samuels has a best of 65.84m which she threw in February.