One is a veteran, the other young and inexperienced. The common point is the surname, though not related in any way. Dola and Rahul Banerjee are also India’s best bets as the Indian squad flies to take parting the 44th World Outdoor Target Archery Championships in Leipzig from July 7 to 15.

This also happens to be India’s second-last opportunity to qualify for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The continental championships follow, and India can also hope to make it by virtue of their performance in these championships. But there is this “perform or perish” pressure, and India want to settle the issue once and for all in Leipzig itself.

“If we can keep our cool in the first two rounds I am sure of settling the issue in Leipzig itself,” said Rahul, referring to the pressure cooker situation that archers face in tough competitions like in the one in Germany.

“At that level it all boils down to mental toughness, concentration and focus. I have been shooting pretty well since the start of the year so that shouldn’t be an issue, but those initial two rounds will be crucial,” said the 22-year-old who will be taking part in his first world championships.

Dola seconds that.

“It will be my third world championships, but I still feel the nerves during those opening rounds. It is very important to be with the leaders from the beginning, because later it becomes very difficult to overcome those deficits,” said Dola didi, as she is called by the youngsters in the team. The senior-most member in the women’s squad, Dola at many times, also plays the guiding light for the youngsters.

... contd.