Dola's experience will be missed: Deepika

Stage 1 of the event is scheduled to be held in Porec, Croatia. With the two-time Olympian failing to make the cut for the first World Cup of the year, all eyes will be on the quartet of Deepika, Rimil Biruly, Seema Verma and Laishram Bombayla Devi.

After receiving the Best Junior Sportsperson award by the Calcutta Sports Journalists’ Club, the promising Jharkhand archer said the team was not short on experience, though Dola would be missed.

“Of course, Dola has been inspirational so we will miss her. But in Bombayla, we have an experienced player and everybody is doing well in practice. This is a new team and we are gelling well.

“There is no point thinking about the past. We have to look ahead. We have some chances in the women’s recurve event,” Deepika said.

After winning two gold medals (individual and team) in the Commonwealth Games last year, Deepika disappointed in the 34th National Games held at her backyard in Ranchi where she failed to win a medal.

Deepika blamed it on the format and said it was such that one bad miss could cost dear.
“But we are doing well after the Games and hope for a good start at the World Cup Stage I. Then we have to qualify for the Olympics, which is our main target. No Indian has won a medal in archery in Olympics and we are very determined.”