The Indian archery contingent to the London Olympics was given a warm send-off at the SAI, Eastern Centre, here on Saturday by the state association, archers and officials of the SAI.
Speaking on the occasion, regional director of the SAI, Group Captain Subodh Bhatnagar, said the archers had been well prepared for the tough competition.
He praised the archers for their dedication, discipline and focused approach to the sport and wished the team well.
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Good combination
Deepika Kumari, who is one of the medal hopefuls at the Games, said the best thing about the women’s team was its combination.
“We have been playing together and we know each other’s approach.
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“This will be our strength,’’ said informed the media.
Tata Steel, which has been training Deepika since 2008, has employed her as a manger in the sports department.
She is the second archer to be observed by the company, the first being Jayanta Talukdar who is also a member of the London-bound team.
Well trained
Talukdar, who is spearheading the men team’s campaign at the Games, felt the team had been well trained for the competition.
“We need to shoot our best as because every country will come to the Olympics well prepared. With a bit of luck we can do extremely well,’’ he felt.
Rahul Banerjee, who lost his bow case twice and got it, has assembled a new one for the Games.
“I am quite happy with the new set and hope to do well,’’ he said.
Only recurve archery is played at the Olympics. The team leaves for Delhi on Sunday.
The contingent:
Men: Jayanta Talukdar, Tarundeep Rai and Rahul Banerjee.
Women: Deepika Kumari, Chekrovolu Swuro and Laishram Bombayla Devi. Coaches: Limba Ram, Ravi Shankar and Purnima Mahato. Captain: P.N. Mukherjee.