Being world No.1 is added pressure for Olympics: Deepika
Submitted by Keval Sharma on Sat, 07/14/2012 - 14:13.
Kolkata, July 14 - Though highly hopeful of winning an Olympic medal, world number one archer Deepika Kumari Saturday said being at the top of the rankings does not guarantee a podium finish at the London Games.
"Being the world number one is an added pressure and it does not guarantee a medal unless I and all the team members perform well. However, our preparation has been good and we hope to make the country proud," said Deepika on the eve of the team's departure for the London Olympics.
The women's team of Deepika, Laishram Bombayla Devi and Chekrovolu Swuro and the men's team comprising Rahul Banerjee, Jayanta Talukdar and Tarundeep Rai leave for the London games Sunday.
Deepika exuded confidence of winning medals both in the individual and team event.
"Why expect a medal only from me. Our team is good enough to get medals. We have been practicing real hard and are quite satisfied with our preparations," added Deepika.
Chekrovolu said that the camaraderie and teamwork between the three girls is the strength of the team.
"We understand each other well and help each other on the field. We do not hesitate to point out each other's mistakes. The chemistry and understanding between the three is our strength," said the 29-year-old from Nagaland.
With Bombayla Devi being the only one with Olympic experience, the team will bank on her.
"Though I was nervous in my first Olympic (Beijing 2008), this time I am confident. We are well prepared and confident both individually and as a team," the 27-year-old from Manipur said.(IANS)
Milan, May 25 : Italian club Inter Milan announced that Walter Mazzarri has been appointed to replace Andrea Stramaccioni as head coach of the football team. 
London, May 25 : The winner of the Europa League will automatically qualify for a place in the lucrative Champions League from 2015, European football governing body, UEFA announced. 
Kolkata, May 25 : Chennai Super Kings (CSK) said Saturday its players and support staff have no knowledge of betting and spot fixing and were distressed by the allegations and news reports concerning the franchise and the Indian Premier League (IPL). 
Kolkata, May 25 : Mumbai Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar who has been nursing a wrist and hand injury is unlikely to play the Indian Premier League final against Chennai Super Kings at the Eden Gardens Sunday. 
Mumbai, May 15 : India's only motorcycle Grand Prix team resumes battle in France this weekend with high hopes of strong results after a top-10 start for the all-new Mahindra Grand Prix machine. 
Dijon-Prenois (France), May 13 : Indian racing driver Sailesh Bolisetti's second weekend of his 2013 Euro Race Car campaign ended on a disappointing note as he finished 18th and 17th in the two races here.