Asian Games 2018 | Deepika Kumari expects a good show in Jakarta
After recovering from fever, Deepika Kumari is now looking forward to making a mark at the Asian Games in Indonesia. The recurve archer, however, added that she is still under treatment, but determined of a good show this year after she returned empty-handed from Incheon four years ago.
The Commonwealth Games twin gold medalist was down with fever for five days, which made his departure for Jakarta delayed, with the archery contingent leaving on August 14. Deepika, who won a World Cup gold medal win in Salt Lake City in June this year, her first individual World Cup gold since 2012, couldn't practice even for the last few days. But, she is confident of making a good performance in the Games starting today.
“There’s still weakness and I’m on multi-vitamins. But I’m confident of a good show,” the former world number one told PTI before travelling for the Asian G
“I’m beginning to find my rhythm and it has really boosted my confidence for the Asian Games. It’s difficult to predict the number of medals but I can say that we would do better than Incheon and return with medals this time,” said Deepika.
Speaking about the performance of the Indian archers in the last edition where the Indian archers won four medals along with a gold, Deepika said, “There’s no point talking about the past. We have to shoot with a free mind now. Definitely, there’s a bit of pressure but it’s about looking at what’s in store.”
The Indian women’s team had lost the third position game to China in the previous Asiad. With the addition of the mixed pair event this year, it will be another medal prospect for Indian archery.
“We have been doing well in the mixed pair events. It’s about putting our best together on the given day,” the 24-year-old informed.
The Indian archers have never won a gold medal in the recurve section at Asiad. The Indian recurve section is going through a poor patch since 2010, especially the men’s team. The men’s team has now slipped to 12th position in the world ranking from number one in September 2010.
“It seems our luck is not going on our way. There have been several factors. The juniors are coming in, we need some time for them to get experience. It’s not that we lack talented archers. But we have to give them some time,” said Deepika who is now ranked seven.
