Indian Archers Aim to Shed Olympic 'Bhaar' in Tokyo

Indian Archers Aim to Shed Olympic ‘Bhaar’ in Tokyo

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.

Tarundeep Rai Eyes Maiden Olympic Medal in Fourth Appearance

Tarundeep Rai Eyes Maiden Olympic Medal in Fourth Appearance

Tarundeep Rai, a seasoned Indian archer, is determined to make his fourth Olympic appearance in Paris a memorable one by securing his first Olympic medal. At 40 years old, Rai has an impressive track record, having won medals at every major global and continental championship, including two World Championship silver medals, nine World Cup medals, and three Asian Games medals.

Despite his success, Rai has yet to achieve his Olympic dream. He exited in the first round of the individual event in Athens 2004, and in the second round in both London 2012 and Tokyo 2021. In Tokyo, the men’s team, which included Rai, reached the quarterfinals.

“It’s emotional every day,” Rai said. “It’s the fourth time. It’s a now-or-never situation for me, and that’s what I tell my teammates too. You have to put in an effort as if it’s going to be your last.”

Rai is also serving as an unofficial mentor to the Indian team, sharing his vast experience and knowledge with his younger teammates. He believes that the team has the potential to win a medal in Paris, and he is determined to help them achieve their goal.

“We have kept that in control (this time),” Rai said. “Coaches, management, players’ mentality, we have kept that in check. Everyone is in their best form.”

For the first time since London 2012, India will have a full six-member squad in Paris, after both the men’s and women’s teams qualified on the basis of rankings. This means they will compete in all five events.

Rai’s journey to the Olympics has not been without its challenges. He failed to make it to the Hangzhou Asian Games last year, which served as a wake-up call for him.

“Yes, the Asian Games was a realization period and gave me a lot of positive vibes,” Rai said. “If that did not happen, maybe I would not have made it to my fourth Olympics and reached here.”

Despite the setbacks, Rai remains optimistic and is eager to make the most of his final Olympic opportunity. He has set up an academy in Sikkim to pass on his knowledge to the future generation of archers.

“Coaching or not, you have to give something back to the sport,” Rai said. “This is one thing we have lacked. Transfer of technique, transfer of experience. Senior archers leaving should come back. This gap we have to fill up.”

Indian Men's Recurve Team Reclaims World Cup Gold After 14 Years

Indian Men’s Recurve Team Reclaims World Cup Gold After 14 Years

Dhiraj Bommadevara, the lone Indian recurve archer to secure an Olympic quota for Paris 2024, played a pivotal role in India’s historic triumph at the Archery World Cup Stage 1 in Shanghai. The Indian men’s recurve team, comprising Bommadevara, Tarundeep Rai, and Pravin Ramesh Jadhav, defeated archery powerhouse Korea in the title round, reclaiming the gold medal after a 14-year hiatus.

Bommadevara, a beneficiary of the Sports Ministry’s Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), also bagged a bronze medal in the mixed team event alongside Ankita Bhakat. India’s victory over Mexico in straight sets marked their second medal in Shanghai.

In an exclusive interview with SAI Media, Bommadevara shared his insights on the team’s success, their mindset, and their aspirations for the Paris Olympics.

On the Historic Gold Medal:

“We’re overjoyed,” Bommadevara exclaimed. “We executed our plan and maintained our focus throughout the competition.”

On the Team’s Mindset:

“We focused solely on our game and ignored our opponents,” Bommadevara explained. “We maintained clear communication and supported each other through every situation.”

On Team Bonding:

“Tarundeep Rai, Pravin, and I are all from the Indian Army, so we spend a lot of time together,” Bommadevara said. “We’ve developed a strong chemistry that translates into our performances.”

On Being the Youngest Member:

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn from my experienced teammates,” Bommadevara stated. “I’m constantly striving to improve and avoid repeating mistakes.”

On India’s Chances at Paris 2024:

“Our chances are promising,” Bommadevara asserted. “We’re working towards converting our individual quota into a team quota. Our priority is to qualify as a team and then give our best in Paris. We’re not setting expectations but preparing for every scenario.”

On the Impact of Tarundeep Rai:

“Tarundeep Rai’s experience is invaluable,” Bommadevara said. “He shares his tactical and philosophical insights, which helps us immensely. His dedication inspires us to push ourselves.”

On the Mental Strength of Indian Archers:

“We’re focused on improving ourselves rather than comparing ourselves to others,” Bommadevara explained. “We learn from our mistakes and strive to perform better.”

On the Impact of the Compound Team:

“Our compound team is world-class,” Bommadevara said. “Their success motivates us to raise our own standards. Jyothi Surekha’s ability to handle pressure in various events is truly inspiring.”

On the Support from TOPS:

“TOPS has provided me with financial stability and allowed me to focus solely on my game,” Bommadevara said. “It has alleviated the financial burden on my family and enabled me to pursue my Olympic dream.”

Tarundeep Rai's Comeback: From Asian Games Snub to World Cup Gold

Tarundeep Rai’s Comeback: From Asian Games Snub to World Cup Gold

Tarundeep Rai, India’s veteran archer, has made a remarkable comeback after being excluded from the Asian Games team last year. The snub ignited a fire within him, leading him to adopt drastic lifestyle changes and intensify his training.

Rai, a three-time Olympian, was devastated by his omission from the Hangzhou Asian Games despite his strong performances. “I was boiling with anger,” he recalled. “I decided to give it one last shot.”

To regain his fitness and competitiveness, Rai embarked on a strict diet and dedicated more time to the gym. He shed 12kg in two months, determined to prove his worth.

His efforts paid off when he made the cut for the Indian team for the World Cup and Olympics after a two-month trial. In Shanghai, Rai and his teammates Dhiraj Bommadevara and Pravin Jadhav created history by defeating reigning Olympic champions South Korea to win the World Cup gold.

Rai attributed their success to their unwavering focus and the inclusion of a sports psychologist. “We didn’t think about winning over Korea,” he said. “We just went there to replicate what we have been doing at practice.”

The victory marked the first time an Indian men’s team had defeated archery powerhouse Korea in a World Cup final. It also boosted their chances of qualifying for the Paris Olympics.

Rai, who began his international career in 2003, is now in the best shape of his life. “I feel amazing right now,” he said. “I’ve got this childlike energy that keeps me going.”

His journey serves as an inspiration to athletes of all ages, proving that with determination and hard work, anything is possible.

Indian Archers Secure Medal at Archery World Cup Stage 1

Indian Archers Secure Medal at Archery World Cup Stage 1

Shanghai, China – The Indian archery trio of Tarundeep Rai, Dhiraj Bommadevara, and Pravin Jadhav have secured a medal at the Archery World Cup Stage 1 after reaching the men’s recurve final on Thursday.

The Indian team, seeded second behind reigning world and Olympic champions South Korea, displayed their dominance by defeating Italy 5-1 in the semifinals without dropping a set. They will now face the top-seeded Korean trio of Kim Woojin, Lee Woo Seok, and Kim Je Deok in the gold medal match on Sunday.

The Korean trio, who won gold at the Tokyo Olympics, defeated Chinese Taipei’s Tan Chih-Chun, Lin Zih-Siang, and Tai Yu-Hsuan in straight sets 6-0 in the other semifinal.

Earlier, the Indians received a first-round bye in the season-opening tournament. They overcame a first-set deficit to beat 15th-seeded Indonesia 5-3 in their opening clash. They then showcased their prowess against seventh-seeded Spain, dropping just one point in the first set before cruising to a 5-1 victory to reach the semifinals.

Meanwhile, the Indian women’s team of Deepika Kumari, Ankita Bhakat, and Bhajan Kaur, ranked sixth in the qualifiers, had a disappointing performance. They lost a 3-1 lead to Mexico in their opening clash. After receiving a bye in the first round, the Indian women’s team held a 3-1 lead in the second set. However, their scores were below par, and they lost 3-5. They hit twice in the red ring 7 in the opening set, dropped down to the sixth ring in the third set, and managed two eights in the final set.

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