Medal hopeful archer Deepika says Olympics no ghost to be scared of

Kolkata: All of 18, she is world number one and India’s biggest hope for an Olympic medal but Deepika Kumari is far from intimidated by the burden of expectations as she feels the London Games are not some kind of a “ghost” to be scared of.

Besides the skills, much of Deepika’s success at this young age is attributed to her cool demeanour.

“Hope I can also achieve the ultimate goal in a sportsperson’s life, winning an Olympic medal,” the media-shy Deepika told PTI at the SAI training ground, before leaving for London.

Asked the secret of staying cool under pressure, Deepika was quick to reply: “Olympic is not a ghost, so there is nothing to be scared about. I have the self belief and confidence… That’s how, I am here,” the Commonwealth Games double gold medallist added.

The Ranchi girl felt wind will play a big role in the event. “We have heard that London will be very windy this time of the year. It will be a real challenge to get used to that quickly. Hopefully, we will get adequate time to adjust to the conditions there.”

Deepika said sleep and prayers keep her fresh and motivated. “I sleep, when I am not shooting — you hardly get time after practising for so long (almost eight hours a day).”

Among prayers, it’s ‘Itni shakti humein dena daata’ is Deepika’s favourite. “It gives mental strength, something which is our main focus in the build up to the Games.”

Asked whether she misses her parents staying throughout the year at the camp here, Deepika quipped, “I will miss them after winning the medal.”

“We are like a family here… I look up to my teammates (Chekrovolu Swuro and Laishram Bombayla Devi) as my elder sisters.”

She also said she does not have to look up to other sportspersons to get inspired. “Why do I have to look up to others when I have Dola didi (Olympian Dola Banerjee), Anga didi (Chekrovolu) with me here (at the hostel)?” the reigning world junior champion said.

I’m expecting a medal from Deepika: coach Limba Ram

National coach Limba Ram yesterday said Deepika has all the qualities to bag a medal at the Olympics. “I’m expecting a medal from Deepika (Kumari),” said Ram.

“Deepika is at her peak. She is young and energetic and is never ready to lose. She is very sincere when its comes to training and this will pay her at the big stage.

“Right now, she is unwell and physically weak. She is facing a bit of problem in shooting against the wind. Hopefully, she will recover in time for the Games,” he added.

Though he is expecting a medal from Deepika, the coach said other Olympic-bound archers Jayanta Talukdar, Rahul Banerjee, Tarundeep Rai, Laishram Bombayla Devi and Chekrovolu Swuro also have bright chances in the two team events.

“The team had prepared well and I am hopeful that they can spring some surprises at the London Games. They have a golden chance and mentally they are very confident,” Ram, a three-time Olympian, said.

“Bombayla (Devi) is also shooting well. Chekrovolu (Swuro) was struggling with shooting against the wind but now she had improved.

“Among men, Jayanta (Talukdar) and Tarundeep (Rai) are in good form, so they are also bright medal hopes in individual category.”

Stating that the weather conditions will play a big role, Ram said, “The weather will be extremely different from that of Kolkata (humid or hot) where the team was training for the last few days. The London weather will mostly favour the Europeans. But we will have 10 days time in hand to adjust. I am sure the team will acclimatise to the conditions there.”

India has never won an Olympic medal in archery, while this is the first time after Athens 2004 Olympics that the country will have representation in all the four events.

PTI