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Dola wary of Beijing wind, says any medal will do
Dola Banerjee vouches Indian archers have not left any stone unturned in their preparation for the Olympics but remains wary of the Beijing wind.
- Press Trust of India
- Updated: July 30, 2008 04:24 pm IST
Read Time: 2 min
New Delhi:
Lest it sounds an excuse, Dola clarifies that conditions do remain same for all the participants but says while other countries get to practise in windy conditions throughout the year, the Indians do not enjoy the same luxury and that often shows in events like these.
"Weather matters a lot in archery and wind is a huge problem. We generally practise in enclosures which negates the wind factor and that often comes as a handicap," Dola said.
"Whenever you go out for competition, it's generally done in open field where you are vulnerable to the conditions. That's why we decided to practise away from the place marked for us in the SAI centre in Kolkata," she added.
That, however, does not mean Dola or her teammates are low on confidence.
"We have a decent chance and we just pray not to be pitted against Korea in the initial rounds.
"Among us, (L) Bombayala Devi has been very consistent over the last couple of years, while Pranitha (Vardhineni) is also in good form. I think I'm also peaking at the right time. I have not had a great year so far, compared to my performance last year but I'm happy that I've come out of the slump," she said.
Dola said scores at the practice session are quite encouraging and an Olympic medal does not look like beyond the team.
"We have a good chance to win a medal. Any colour would do," she said.
Dola Banerjee vouches she and fellow Indian archers have not left any stone unturned in their preparation for the Olympic Games but remains wary of the wind in Beijing.Lest it sounds an excuse, Dola clarifies that conditions do remain same for all the participants but says while other countries get to practise in windy conditions throughout the year, the Indians do not enjoy the same luxury and that often shows in events like these.
"Weather matters a lot in archery and wind is a huge problem. We generally practise in enclosures which negates the wind factor and that often comes as a handicap," Dola said.
"Whenever you go out for competition, it's generally done in open field where you are vulnerable to the conditions. That's why we decided to practise away from the place marked for us in the SAI centre in Kolkata," she added.
That, however, does not mean Dola or her teammates are low on confidence.
"We have a decent chance and we just pray not to be pitted against Korea in the initial rounds.
"Among us, (L) Bombayala Devi has been very consistent over the last couple of years, while Pranitha (Vardhineni) is also in good form. I think I'm also peaking at the right time. I have not had a great year so far, compared to my performance last year but I'm happy that I've come out of the slump," she said.
Dola said scores at the practice session are quite encouraging and an Olympic medal does not look like beyond the team.
"We have a good chance to win a medal. Any colour would do," she said.
Topics mentioned in this article
Athletics
Archery
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