2. Women’s recurve team: India’s best bet
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Medal chances: 50%
It is the areas of concern regarding Deepika Kumari which make India a stronger favourite in the women’s recurve team event. The 22-year-old can bank on her teammates – Laishram Bombayla Devi and Laxmirani Majhi – for the extra bit of mental and moral support that can bring out the best from all three of them.
Consistency is the key:
The team has been wonderfully consistent in the past few months. The chemistry and mutual understanding among them have been fantastic that saw them clinching the World Archery Championships silver medal, besides adding another silver at this year’s Shanghai World Cup.
At the Antalya World Cup too, they were in contention for a bronze medal which they, unfortunately, missed to finish in the fourth place. If they can hold their nerves and have a bit of luck, the women’s recurve team has the potential to create history at the Rio Olympics.
Prediction:
Four years on, Deepika should be more aware and alert and would be gunning to avert a repeat of the London debacle. The medal expectations are definitely there given the women’s recurve team has been steadily proving themselves at numerous events. It would thus not be unfeasible to see them with a prized Olympic medal in a few days’ time.
The silver medal that they won at the 2015 World Championships in Copenhagen should inspire them to emulate their feat. However, it goes without saying that the pressure increases manifold at the Olympics and it would be safe to expect them to grab at least a bronze medal.
