It is because of the concept of Olympics that even World Championship gold might look an achievement slightly diminished. That’s why Sushil Kumar’s silver during 2012 Olympics overshadows his gold medal at 2010 World Championships.
Archer Bombayla Devi laishram, therefore, after having the experience of two Olympics, knows that her two back-to-back gold medals in the World Championships’ team events (women’s recurve) this year might not make her a household name like her state-mate Mary Kom but if she continues the good work, coupled with some luck in 2016, life would be different.
For now, she is busy adding to her quiver in the hope of another medal in the coming world meet in the later part of the year.
“We have a World Championship coming up in October for which trials are going on in Aurangabad. So, we’re here for that. But the year has been good. We’ve won two gold medals,” she told The Pioneer.
So, what worked for the Indians that they managed to tame mighty South Koreans, who are the current Olympic champions. Is it the new coach, new combination which also includes Deepika Kumari and Rimil Buriuly (Buriuly replaced Chekrovolu Swuro from the team that represented the country at london 2012), or more practiceIJ
“We were a little lucky also. One shot from the Koreans was a bad one, it didn’t fetch them good points. That gave us a chance and we continued in the same manner and won.
“We had known from the beginning that if we reached the final, we would have to deal with Korea. They were a tough side and we thought even if we lose, we would do it with a fight. We weren’t scared of them as we had beaten them in Italy. So we continued with our game, concentrating on the number of points we could get,” the archer added,
last year, the Indian archery team were ousted during the pre-quarterfinal stage at the london Olympics and chief coach limba Ram was asked to leave and Korean coach lim Chae Woong took charge, leading to change in fortunes.
“There was not a massive change in our practice schedule after the Olympics. This year from January, we started working with the Korean coach in Pune, he was not there with us during the Olympics. There has been a change in form and our game is improving. (We have won) two gold medals, so things are very good,” the 2012 Arjuna awardee said.
Bombayla has partnered with Dola Banerjee, Deepika, Swuro, among others but the Indian team’s consistency seems to have improved with the current trio.
“I believe our combination is very good, I think that is the reason. Swuro was also good but she lost some form after london. Buriuly also shoots very well. We have a settled team so that is good.” And, is there a healthy competition within the team, with the likes of DeepikaIJ
“Yes, there is competition among us. Archery is also an individual game but when we play as a team, we have to be together because if one person makes a mistake, it can cost everyone. But we have a good understanding,” the archer signed off.