Deepika Kumari and Atanu Das Appoint Rahul Banerjee as Archery Coach
Deepika Kumari and Atanu Das have enlisted Rahul Banerjee as their coach as they train for upcoming competitions, including the LA 2028 Olympics. This partnership follows a successful discussion during commentary at the Paris 2024 Olympics, aiming to improve their performances in archery. Banerjee brings extensive experience and a fresh coaching perspective to the team.
In an exciting development for Indian archery, Deepika Kumari, a seasoned recurve archer and four-time Olympian, along with her husband Atanu Das, a two-time Olympian, have officially appointed Rahul Banerjee as their new coach. This partnership marks a significant milestone in their careers as they compete together for the first time during the National Archery Championships in Jamshedpur. Banerjee, a Commonwealth Games champion and accomplished archer with experience in both the Asian Games and Asian Championships, brings a wealth of knowledge to the team, having previously established an archery academy in Kolkata alongside his sister, Dola Banerjee, who is also a two-time Olympian.
The decision to collaborate was fostered during a commentary engagement between Atanu Das and Rahul Banerjee during the ongoing Paris 2024 Olympics. Following this discussion, Das expressed admiration for Banerjee’s coaching ideas, leading to their partnership that began in August, with Deepika subsequently joining the team. Deepika, who has ranked as the world’s No. 1 archer and holds medals in major tournaments except for the Olympics, aims to improve her performance after a quarter-final exit in both individual and team events at the Paris Games. In her recent performance, she secured a silver medal at the Archery World Cup Final by defeating Olympians Yang Xiaolei and Alejandra Valencia, showcasing her resilience and exceptional skill.
Atanu Das, despite missing qualification for the Paris Olympics, remains focused on the future. Both athletes, Deepika at 30 years old and Das at 32, are motivated to represent India at the LA 2028 Olympics. In addressing their training, Banerjee noted specific areas of improvement, including time management issues for Deepika and technique challenges for Atanu due to his left-handedness. He emphasized that their current training aims to prepare them adequately to handle the pressures of upcoming competitions. “The (current) training prepares them well so that they don’t feel the pressure at the (upcoming) Olympics. There was a gap and I am bridging that gap,” stated Banerjee, reflecting his commitment to their success.
Deepika Kumari and Atanu Das are prominent figures in Indian archery, both having represented their country at the Olympic level over multiple Games. With a strong foundation in competitive archery, they have achieved numerous accolades, yet they aspire to improve their Olympic performances. The introduction of Rahul Banerjee as their coach comes amidst a strategic shift to enhance their training regimen and address specific areas of concern. Banerjee’s background as a former medallist and coach provides unique insights that are expected to elevate Deepika and Atanu’s capabilities as they aim for success at the next Olympic Games.
The collaboration between Deepika Kumari, Atanu Das, and their new coach Rahul Banerjee symbolizes a proactive approach to their training and aspirations for Olympic success. With careful attention given to their specific needs and the inclusion of targeted coaching strategies, both athletes appear committed to overcoming past obstacles and aiming for medals in future competitions. As they continue to develop their skills under Banerjee’s guidance, their journey towards the LA 2028 Olympics promises to be one of determination and ambition.
Original Source: olympics.com
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