Burying ghosts of london
New Delhi: The unpleasant memories of 2012 Olympics still fresh in her minds, Indian archery’s blue-eyed girl Deepika Kumari is desperate to bury the ghosts of london with a medal-winning display in the upcoming Asian Games in Incheon.
“london was a big disappointment for me. There were high expectations from me as I went into the london Games as World No.1. I don’t know what happened that day but I couldn’t just perform to my level,” Deepika told PTI in an interview from Gwangju, South Korea. “After london, the Asian Games is the biggest sporting event and I will definitely try my best to forget the london nightmare by winning a medal in Incheon,” she said. A medal in the South Korean city will not only help Deepika bury her london ghosts, but will also end her individual medal jinx in the Asian Games. “I have just participated in one Asian Games in which I won a team bronze. But I will definitely try my best to win an individual medal in Incheon,” the three-time World Cup silver medallist archer said. After the 2012 Olympics, Deepika herself admitted that “pressure” took a toll on her. But Deepika said she is now in a better position to deal with pressure situations.
Boost for pugilists
Mumbai: After giving provisional recognition to Boxing India, the sport’s world body has now permitted Indian pugilists to take part in the Asian Games under the national tricolour.
The move by International Boxing association (AIBA) also means the national anthem will be rendered during the medal ceremony when an Indian wins a gold medal at the Games, at Incheon, South Korea.
“AIBA has given permission to the Indian boxers to fight under the Indian flag at the Asian Games. When an Indian wins a gold medal, the national anthem will be rendered during the medal ceremony,” said AIBA Indian representative and senior boxing official Kishen Narsi on Tuesday.
Relay teams cleared
New Delhi: The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) on Tuesday cleared both 4x400m and 4x100m women’s relay teams. According to a press release issued by the AFI, the athletics contingent will leave on September 21. last month, the AFI’s selection committee had selected a 56-member team for the Asiad, based on their performance in the qualification championships, but had asked for a fitness trial to be held for some of the disciplines at NS NIS Patiala on September 15.
Out of form triple jumpers Mayookha Johny of Kerala and Renjith Maheshwary had prayed to AFI for one more chance after they fell way short of qualifying mark. The men’s 4x400m relay team also performed below par but AFI has decided to give all these faltering athletes another chance during trials at the NIS Patiala on September 18.
Advantage India
Incheon: With new rules set to be introduced in the upcoming Asian Games, India’s vice captain P R Sreejesh feels the change in format will work in their favour in Incheon as they have hands-on experience of playing a game of four quarters, courtesy Hockey India league.
And Sreejesh gave a thumbs-up to the new format. “The new format of the game is actually going to act as an added advantage for us in the field. It will not affect us as we already have experience of playing in four quarters in the Hockey India league,” Sreejesh said ahead of Indian men’s opening game against Sri lanka on September 21.
“It will not only make the game much faster, but will also offer time to the players to re-energise during every quarter,” India’s ace goalkeeper added.