Talukdar, Tarundeep aim high

We are peaking at the right time and our scores have improved, say archers

With London Olympics barely a few days away, the Indian archers can feel the pressure and rising expectations of the nation. They, however, draw confidence from their intense training and recent performances.

Jayanta Talukdar, who booked his Olympics berth in the individual recurve event in the World Championship Turin, in Italy last year, said their preparations have been good and with a bit of luck things can turn in their favour.

“We have prepared really well. In the World Cup in Ogden last month, our performance was very good. The confidence is very high and we are eager to do our best,” Talukdar said.

“We have also been working with the Korean coach and we all benefited a lot from him. He has worked on all aspects. Our scoring has really improved after working with him. We are peaking at the right time.”

The archers will be leaving for London on Monday morning to train for a week. Talukdar said it is important for them to acclimatize to the conditions there.

“We have been preparing in the hot, muggy weather in Kolkata whereas London is going to be cold. It’s crucial for us to know the windy conditions,” said the 26-year-old from Guwahati.

His team-mate in the men's recurve team, Tarundeep Rai felt they are better prepared this time.

For the Asian Games silver medallist, it will be his second Olympics. He participated in 2004 Athens Olympics when he finished 32nd in individual and 11th in the team.
"We are in a better position to win a medal this time. Jayant (Talukdar) and Rahul (Banerjee) have done well. We are focussed and will be going for a medal ," Rai, 28, said.

"We had a lot of exposure ahead of the Games. Technically and skill-wise we are as good as anyone else in the world. It comes down to how well we are mentally. So, we have worked on our mental strength as well.”

Talukdar admitted feeling the pressure ahead of Olympics. “There are a lot of expectations, so the pressure is there. I talk to Rahul and Tarun, if I feel it’s affecting me. But we are also very confident.

“The competition is going to be fierce. Every team will come well prepared. South Korea will be the toughest. But with our recent performance, we have made a point.”

Bonanza

The ONGC on Sunday announced a cash bonanza for players who will win medals at the London Olympics with gold medal winners to get Rs 25 lakh while silver and bronze medallists will get Rs 15 and Rs 10 lakh respectively
Out of the total 81 athletes who have qualified for the Games, 16 are ONGC employees.