Q. Archery is not a contact sport and yet it is facing Covid-related issues. What’s your take on this?
A. Archery may not be a contact sport but Covid-19 risks remain when one goes outside. The pandemic has severely affected our lives. It’s risky to go outside. So, we remain in our complex. Ground situations are risky as a lot of people roam about there.
Q. How are you practicing these days?
A. We have made a makeshift range of 10 metres at our residence. With bow and arrow, we give a fair touch to our daily practice. It also helps us in maintaining our focus and stamina.
Q. Who is your present coach and how are you seeking his guidance?
A. Our coach is Neil Bahadur Gurung. He is from the Army. I and my coach maintain a good degree of contact via phone and other social media platforms. At least twice a week, he provides us valuable inputs.
Q. Considering the fact you have qualified for the Tokyo Olympics, how do you come to terms with its postponement?
A. I am fit mentally. However, I am desperate to upgrade my practice from 10 metres to 70 metres in the ground. When you move to greens, the ambience is altogether different. I also want to add that before any major competition, I need at least 12 months of hardcore training.
Q. You prefer team competitions or the individual ones?
A. Well, I enjoy both.
Q. How are you assessing your chances for a medal from the archery ground of the Japanese capital?
A. I am looking forward to it. In the past 2-3 years, many people have witnessed excellent support from the government. It is the best in recent memory. I am sure that I and the whole archery family will return with at least a medal. I am also sure that we will touch the best overall medals tally.
Q. Tell us something about your competitors who could obstacle your dream of an Olympic medal?
A. Well, archery is a very difficult game. Just one miss and you are out. It could be anyone’s day. Korea and archery have become synonyms. Germans and Dutch are excellent too. However, I rate Brady Ellison of the United States as the best archer at the moment.
Q. Can you shed some light on why you felt a penchant for archery?
A. Yes. There are three reasons. First, you can follow this game for many years. Second, it’s almost injuryfree. Third, it connects you with your tradition—for instance, Mahabharata.
Q. You were at the top when you clinched 3 bronzes in Asian Archery Championship in November 2019 in Bangkok. Suddenly, this gloomy situation arrived. How are you preparing yourself?
A. Yoga and meditation are part of the daily routine. It helps me remain cool and calm. I also expect that a positive scenario is not far away.
Q. We are going through the trying circumstances; do you want to put out a few words of motivation for the people?
A. It is important to remain physically and mentally healthy. Keep patience. Try continuously for good prospects. Never go for unfair means. I believe family always provides the best support. So, pass the maximum time with members of your family.
