JOIN USArcher Bombyala cofident of good show at Rio
Bombyala Devi’s entry into archery was never a surprise. Born into a sporting family -- her father is a handball coach and mother an archery coach -- it was just a matter of when rather than if insofar as Bombyala taking to sport was concerned as she grew up in Imphal.
Going into the Rio Olympics, the 31-year-old is the senior-most of the three women archers. Having been part of contingents that failed to impress at the Bejing (2008) and the London (2012) Games, she is well aware of expectations and the reality of the Games.
In a chat with Deccan Herald, the daughter of Mangalam Singh and Minidevi speaks about her third, and probably the final tryst with the quadrennial sporting extravaganza.
On preparations for the Games
It’s been really good. Back in Bengaluru (during the camp) the weather was really good and the windy atmosphere helped us train better. In the past we rarely used to get an ideal set up to train. We could practice our shooting in the wind too. That’s an added advantage.
On changes since London Games: A lot has changed. There has been a lot of improvement. We have been doing well since the past few months. And moreover, even the level of competition has improved. That’s a good sign for the sport. We’re confident of putting up a good show at the Games.
On lessons learnt from the London Games: I still remember my individual match (against Aida Roman in Round of 32) where I missed an arrow very early. Then throughout the tie, I kept thinking about it and that messed up the whole match for me. It still hurts when I think about it. So that’s something that I don’t want to repeat in Rio.
On missing the Rio test event:
I don’t think it matters much. I have travelled across the world to compete in various tournaments. So that’s experience too. And then Laxmirani (Majhi) and Deepika (Kumari) were there and they shared their experiences. So I have a fair idea of what to expect. Moreover, with me being in Rio already, it’s helping me in getting acclimatised with the weather.
On night archery making its debut in Rio: There hasn’t been a night event as such. But when the evening ties get extended, then you have to shoot in that dying light. But then in Rio, it’s in the night and that will be new to me. We had been training under lights back home and then here (in Rio) we’re hoping to get a session or two under lights.
On her target for the Rio Games: I haven’t set any target, but it’s pretty simple. We will have to take one game at a time. This time the individual segment too will follow a set-based format. So that gives us the room to make a comeback and win the tie even if we end up having a bad start. So that’s something that’s on our minds.