Associate Sponsors

Co-sponsor

We are well prepared for London Games: Mary Kom, Rajput

Image
Press Trust of India Mumbai
Last Updated : Jan 24 2013 | 1:49 AM IST

"I would try my best to win a medal at the Olympics," said five-time world champion Mary Kom who is supported by a non-profit organisation Olympic Gold Quest in her preparations for the Games where women's boxing is making its debut.

Rifle shooter Rajput and pistol marksman Kumar insisted there would be no extra pressure on the shooting squad following the feats of Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore and Abhinav Bindra in securing silver and gold in the last two Games respectively.

"We are going to face the same competitors against whom we have competed against in the World Cup, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games. There is no extra pressure on us," said 31-year-old Navy shooter Rajput who finished a distant 26th in the 50m 3-position and prone events at Beijing four years ago.

He also gave credit to OGQ, founded by sports legends Prakash Padukone and Geet Sethi, for supporting him from 2010.

"Our preparations are going fine," he added.

Kumar said his event, 25m rapid fire pistol, needed a very good hand-eye co-ordination for which he has been practising yoga and doing a lot of exercises.

Both the shooters are set to go to Hanovar, Germany ahead of the Games, Rajput for an extended training session (July 5-17) and Kumar to take part in a test event where all the top shooters are to take part from July 5-25.

Rajput is scheduled to reach London ten days ahead of the Games, commencing on July 27, while Kumar is set to reach the Olympic city a day or two prior to the Opening.

"My event is on August 6, 7 and 8," said Kumar.

Both had trouble adjusting to the cold conditions prevalent in March when they took part in competitions earlier this year there and said they expected warmer conditions during the Games.

Badminton legend Padukone had a word of advice for the three sportspersons who were honoured at the Bombay Gymkhana and said they should not put additional pressure on themselves by focusing on winning a medal in the Games.(MORE)

  

More From This Section

First Published: Jun 07 2012 | 7:45 PM IST

Next Story