India’s archery team is the first sporting contingent from the nation to check in as it has landed in Brazil about four weeks ahead of the Olympics to get acclimatised with the conditions ahead of August 5-21 quadrennial extravaganza.
The four-member team along with the support staff has made its base in coastal city of Marica, about 50km southeast from the state capital Rio de Janeiro.They will train in Marica, till July 22, before shifting to Centro, in the close proximity of archery venue in Sambodromo.
Having failed at the 2012 London Olympics after a hyped build-up, the focus this time is to remain “distraction free” and their day starts with a session of yoga followed by shooting at the training centre here. “My phone will be off till the Games is over, we are not allowed to talk during the training,” an archer said.
Pleasant weather
Giving an update about team’s progress, India’s head coach Dharmendra Tiwari told PTI : “The weather is pleasant, it’s less windy and temperature drops a bit at night. So far we have had three sessions, including one under lights."
India will be competing in three medal disciplines — both team and individuals for the three-member women’s team of Deepika Kumari, Laxmirani Majhi and Bombayla Devi Laishram. Atanu Das will fight in the men’s individual as the team has failed to qualify.
India has a strong medal hope from the women’s team and also there’s a lot of expectation from former World number one Deepika during their competition from August 5-12. Few of the individual matches will be held under lights but Tiwari said it would not a big concern as team matches would be held as usual.
“Depending on the draw, four matches will be under lights. We may not have to play a single matches under lights. But we’re prepared.”
The archery venue in Sambodromo will be open from July 24 as the team will shift its base to Centro after 10 days.
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