At 18, she is the world’s number one archer but Deepika Kumari says she would not allow her numero uno status weigh her down as she prepares to hit the bull’s eye at the hallowed Lord’s cricket ground during the upcoming London Olympics.
Deepika, who was crowned the world number one archer last month, on Monday exuded confidence of winning an Olympic medal and said she is focusing on the technical aspects of her game to realise her dream in London.
“This is my first Olympics, but I don’t have any pressure on me. I am confident of my game and I will give my 100 per cent to win a medal,” the 18-year-old said in a function in New Delhi.
Deepika won her first World Cup individual recurve gold medal in Antalya, Turkey in May and became the world number one in the FITA rankings last month, but the Ranchi girl said she will be happy only after winning an Olympic medal.
“I’m not that happy with the number one ranking, I mean it is okay but I will be happy only when we get a gold in the Olmypics,” said Deepika.
“I can’t express what an Olympic medal means to me, it is my dream, my life. Ever since I became a sportsperson, I have been dreaming of an Olympic medal,” she added.
Deepika, who beat Korea’s Lee Sung Jin by six set points to four in the final to win the recurve gold in the World Cup at Turkey, said the experience will come handy at London.
“The experience of playing in World Cup will help. I am confident after winning against Korea, came to know how to handle pressure, how to score under pressure, so I am confident,” said the Tata Archery Academy (TAA) alumnus.
However, the teenager said the unpredictable weather conditions in London will play a very important role.
“The weather will play a big role since our game is outdoor and in London the weather changes very frequently. But we can handle it,” said Deepika, who is training with fellow archers Chekrawolu Swuro and Laishram Bombayala Devi to compete in the women recurve team competition.
“Our combination is very good, we have improved a lot and we have reached a level where we can compete against the best,” she added.
