Atanu, Bombayla want more tourneys for Indian archers

Ace Indian archers Atanu Das and L Bombayla Devi, on Saturday, said that they need more exposure in order to win medals at tournaments like Olympics.

“There is a difference in practising and playing in an actual tournament, where there is wind while playing, it causes problems. We were confused, from which side the wind was coming and were not able to understand at the main ground (at the venue in Rio Olympics),” said Bombayla.

Atanu added, “I had practised in wind, in rains. I gave my 100 per cent but did not succeed (in winning a medal at Rio). (To win a medal), we need to play more tournaments. The more we play, this thing (not winning medals) will not happen. To overcome these, we need to play more national and international tournaments, more league matches for Olympics.”

The duo graced the Sports for All initiative, which is going on at the Dr DY Patil Sports stadium here.

“We are compared with the foreigners but they play lot more matches, they have more sponsors. They start from childhood. In Korea, you will find 1000 archers in a school and they get facilities,” Atanu added.

Bombayla said that the budding arches were not getting enough exposure and facilities. “In every state, there should be an academy for all sports and facilities should be given. Also competitions should be held across the country,” said Bombayla.

Atanu admitted that the facilities have improved but need to get better.