Archery
One of the sports that gave India hope in the past, but things have been on a downslide. The recent controversies over the women’s team selection — the case still isn’t over — have only made things worse. Dola Banerjee (pic below), at one point India’s best hope, has been struggling for some time, while the others are inexperienced. However, Mangal Singh Champia, the lone male contender in the fray, has been quietly working on his technique and accuracy, and has been impressive in the World Cup qualifications and the Asian Games. To expect a medal would be too optimistic though.
SQUAD: Dola Banerjee, Pranitha Vardhineni, L Bombayala Devi, Mangal Singh Champia

Badminton
Badminton has had an up-and-down history in the country. Anup Sridhar (pic left) and Saina Nehwal are somewhere in between. Both have put in impressive performances in the past 12 months, but do not travel to Beijing as medal contenders. Sridhar ended last year as the top-ranked Indian shuttler at 25. Sridhar’s famous performances came at the World Championships last year with a victory over 2005 world champion and and 2004 Olympic gold medallist Taufik Hidayat. But an ankle injury has set him back, though he says he is fit now. Both Sridhar and Saina will be hoping for favourable draws to be in striking distance of glory.
SQUAD: Anup Sridhar, Saina Nehwal