London: Indian archers are adjusting well to the unpredictable London weather and look in top shape ahead of the Olympic competition beginning at the iconic Lord’s cricket ground here on Friday.
The Indian team that boasts of women World No.1 archer Deepika Kumari, Laishram Bombayala Devi, Chekrovolu Swuro, Tarundeep Rai, Rahul Banerjee and Jayanta Talkudar initially faced problems while practising in cold and windy conditions.
But after a week’s training at the Nursery Ground in Lord’s the archers are now getting into the groove, said women’s coach Purnima Mahato.
“It has been a week since we are here now. The first few days were cold and now it’s comfortable. As they say it is difficult to predict the London weather,” Mahato said on the sidelines of a training session on Tuesday.
“Deepika still has a slight cold. But the positive is that the team has adjusted well to the local condition. They are shooting well and are having sessions in the morning and evening. But no one can say how the wind is going to be on the day of competition so anything can happen,” she said.
Expectations are high from archers, who start their campaign on the morning of the opening ceremony in the team events.
Considering the schedule, Mahato said it was unlikely that archers will be a part of the opening ceremony. Deepika and Talkudar also have the experience of competing at Lord’s. The duo represented India in an exhibition match in 2007. (IANS)
