Indian Archers Aim to Shed the Weight of History at Tokyo Olympics
As the Indian archery team prepares for the Tokyo Olympics, they are determined to break free from the “bhaar” (weight) that has burdened them in past Games.
Coach Purnima Mahato acknowledges the challenges faced by the squad, including the absence of Korean chief coach Baek Woong Ki and psychologist Gayatri Madkekar. However, she remains optimistic, stating that the team has been working on improving their processes rather than focusing solely on medals.
Tarundeep Rai, a four-time Olympian, believes that the team has matured and is better equipped to handle the pressure of the Games. He emphasizes the importance of qualifying with a good ranking in the ranking rounds, which will determine their seeding in the team and individual events.
The men’s team, ranked world No. 2, is aiming for a top-four finish in the ranking rounds to secure a direct spot in the quarter-finals. The trio of Rai, Dhiraj Bommadevara, and Pravin Jadhav has shown consistent results in recent competitions, including a gold medal at the Shanghai World Cup.
The women’s team, led by experienced Deepika Kumari, has more subdued expectations. Coach Mahato prefers a quieter approach, allowing the archers to focus on their performances without the added pressure of medal expectations.
Rai acknowledges the team’s past struggles at the Olympics, but believes that they have learned from their mistakes. He emphasizes the importance of staying focused on the present and not getting caught up in the weight of expectations.
The team has been training in France for the past fortnight, acclimating to the conditions at the Esplanade des Invalides, where the archery competition will be held. They have had two practice sessions in the main competition arena, which differs slightly in design and wind resistance from the adjacent training venue.
The addition of Dhiraj to the men’s team has added solidity, and his growth and consistency have contributed to the team’s success. Rai believes that the team’s recent medals have boosted their self-belief and sent a message to other teams that India is a contender.
However, he cautions against carrying the weight of expectations into the competition. The team’s focus remains on delivering their best performances and not getting bogged down by the pressure of medals.
