Kolkata: Though highly hopeful of winning an Olympic medal, world number one archer Deepika Kumari Saturday said being at the top of the rankings does not guarantee a podium finish at the London Games.
"Being the world number one is an added pressure and it does not guarantee a medal unless I and all the team members perform well. However, our preparation has been good and we hope to make the country proud," said Deepika on the eve of the team's departure for the London Olympics.
The women's team of Deepika, Laishram Bombayla Devi and Chekrovolu Swuro and the men's team comprising Rahul Banerjee, Jayanta Talukdar and Tarundeep Rai leave for the London games Sunday.
Deepika exuded confidence of winning medals both in the individual and team event.
"Why expect a medal only from me. Our team is good enough to get medals. We have been practicing real hard and are quite satisfied with our preparations," added Deepika.
Chekrovolu said that the camaraderie and teamwork between the three girls is the strength of the team.
"We understand each other well and help each other on the field. We do not hesitate to point out each other's mistakes. The chemistry and understanding between the three is our strength," said the 29-year-old from Nagaland.
With Bombayla Devi being the only one with Olympic experience, the team will bank on her.
"Though I was nervous in my first Olympic (Beijing 2008), this time I am confident. We are well prepared and confident both individually and as a team," the 27-year-old from Manipur said.
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