'Asian GP a good test'

National coach Limba Ram felt the Asian Grand Prix will provide an ideal platform to test the Indian archers ahead of the all important Olympic qualifiers.

“There will be plenty on offer in Bangkok, but our main aim is for the men’s team to get back to winning ways. They are doing well in practice, but it’s different when they compete at international level,” Limba said before flying to Bangkok. “The Asian GP will provide an ideal platform to test them ahead of the World Cup.”

India’s women’s team of Deepika Kumari, Laishram Bombayla Devi and Chekrovolu Swuro have already booked their berth for the upcoming London Olympics, but the real worry for the coach remains the men’s category, where only Jayanta Talukdar has made the cut so far.

“They (women’s team) were consistent last year. If they replicate their last year’s performance, then I’m sure an Olympic medal in archery will be a reality. I just hope they start positively in the Asian GP,”  Limba said.