KOLKATA: Just under 100 days to the
Tokyo Olympics
, the Indian archers set out on a dry run for the big event by flying out to take part in the World Cup Stage I at Guatemala City from Monday.
"It's been more than two years since we last took part in any competition," recurve archer
Atanu Das told TOI from the Pune national camp. "Practice is fine, but there's no substitute to playing tournaments," he added. Das feels they have missed out on that part while "archers from many other countries have been competing in events."
A total of 158 archers from 25 countries are expected to be in action, but more than the results, Das looks ahead to the World Cup to assess their own performance. "We are shooting well in practice, but it remains to be seen how it is reflected in competition," he said. The archers will also put to test the little changes they have brought about in their shooting and equipment during this break. "We can identify our mistakes and work on those and if results come our way, we need to maintain that run till the Olympics."
Moreover, the event will also provide Das,
Pravin Jadhav and
Tarundeep Rai an opportunity to get their combination right in the team event. "As we three will be shooting in the Olympics, we will look to get our balance right," Das added.
"We have gelled well so far. Both Tarun and I have been at the Games before, but it will be the first Olympics for Pravin. He has competed at big events like the World championship. Hence as a team we are ready," Das said.
Although travelling during this pandemic time can be risky, Das prefers not to think too much about that. "The situation is volatile, but we have been vaccinated and thus need to stay positive," he said.
The Indian women trio of
Deepika Kumari,
Ankita Bhakat and Komolika Bari will also look to get the act right in the run up to the final team qualification event in Paris from June 18-21 where they will aim to win team quota.
The team will be flying out from New Delhi to Amsterdam where they will change over for Panama City and from there will reach Guatemala.
Indian recurve squads for WC Stage-I:Men: Atanu Das, Tarundeep Rai, Pravin Jadhav,
Dhiraj BommadevaraWomen: Deepika Kumari, Ankita Bhakat,
Komalika Bari
,
Madhu Vedwan