Vying for three spots, the Indian archers will be challenged by 27 teams, including Mexico, Georgia, Italy, Spain and Denmark. Apart from them, the Indian archers will also have to deal with an invisible challenge – the wind. But they have a master strategist amongst them in coach Purnima Mahato.

The Indian archers, particularly Deepika Kumari, had an unfavorable past with the wind. At the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, Deepika Kumari had to hit the bullseye to progress to the semifinals but she could only manage eight, with the wind playing spoilsport. The wind makes it difficult for them to handle their equipment. Prior to Rio, Deepika Kumari was undone by the wind at the London Olympics as well.

Read: Archery World Cup Stage 3: When and where to watch, events, Indian participants list

Although the conditions are similar for everyone, the Indian archers have been caught on the wrong foot on more than one occasion. However, they are not keen to commit any errors this time and have been on the money in their practice sessions, tackling all adversities with ease.

Have assesed the conditions well: Purnima Mahato

Indian coach Purnima Mahato is confident of emerging with flying colors. After the first official practice session on Friday, Purnima Mahato said the team is confident of pulling off a great performance on Sunday. In an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda, she said:

Also read: Indian archery teams led by Atanu Das & Deepika Kumari get down to business in Paris

Cloud cover on Friday gave the Indian archers a sneak peek into how conditions could be come Sunday. However, it is not a deterrent, according to coach Purnima Mahato. She also said the team has strategized by keeping the conditions in mind.

There are many ways to combat the wind. The archers can try different techniques like trying to judge the wind, timing their shot to perfection, using arrows with a lesser diameter and adjusting of bows.

Purnima Mahato knows that the margin of error is minimal.

The Indian archers have a practice session late on Saturday to sharpen their skills before the big challenge on Sunday. Purnima Mahato will be on the lookout to perfectly assess the preparation before the big day.

Also read: “A great honour for me” - Purnima Mahato, on winning the Dronacharya Award

For now, the squad is completely focused on qualifying and as Purnima Mahato puts it, Tokyo is for later, Paris is for today. She said:

Also read: Deepika Kumari: From poverty and hunger to gold medals and fame

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