Taking aim at the pot of gold

KOLKATA: A handful of medal hopefuls with their sights set on gold Four Olympians from Bengal are determined to win it for their country. Shooter Joydeep Karmakar, archer Rahul Banerjee and paddlers Ankita Das and Soumyajit Ghosh bared their souls before they left for the London Olympics.
Looking For The Goal
Also, keep an eye on Bharat Chettri, from Siliguri. Goalkeeper and captain of the Indian hockey team, this lithe player is expected to lead his men to success at London.Though the Indian hockey team has been through many ups and downs, Bharat hopes to make it to the victory stands this time. As a captain, he has already tasted success in Malaysia earlier this year, here's hoping that he is able to keep the momentum going in London too.
Rahul Banerjee, Archer
I have been in training camps for the last four years and couldn't come home even during pujas. In 2011, I missed a great opportunity at a tournament in China but more than made it up in another in USA where I reached the finals. I went to Gangtok and trained there for 8-9 hours a day. Physical fitness and mental training is important for our sport. Didi (Dola Banerjee) is my biggest inspiration. This time, she is not participating because of an injury, but I will try to win for her. She had lost in the quarterfinals, let me see how far I can reach.
The X-Factor
As a team, we rock. I have been playing with Tarundip Rai and Jayant Talukdar for quite some time now and we have been in the Commonwealth Games and Asian games together. Our performance has improved a lot but everything, ultimately, will depend on that particular day and time.
Joydeep Karmakar, Shooter
Shooting is more of a passion than a sport to me. I didn't have to learn how to shoot but it taught me how to live. There was a time when my life was full of ups and downs and there were obstacles on the way but in the end, my perseverance paid off. As far as inspiration is concerned, I cannot really name one person. There were hundreds who inspired me with their actions and deeds. At the end of the day, I would say my inner self, with its myriad experiences, became my inspiration!
The X-Factor
I am a learner, a hard worker and a dreamer. I think I have a natural ability for shooting and can focus my mind on a single thing for a long time. This might give me an edge apart from the excellent training I had recently in Germany with Coach Heinze Reinkemeier.
Ankita Das, Paddler
I was in China for a rigorous training. We practiced from 8.30 in the morning 5 in the evening. Physical exercises were also a part of our daily routine. Control over the mind is very important so we practised meditation diligently. My family and friends have been my biggest inspiration. So is my coach Mantu Ghosh. I'm also a huge fan of Saina Nehwal and would want to win accolades for my country just like her. She has been doing well for India in recent times.
The X-Factor
Since this is my first time at the Olympics, I come with no baggage. I will be able to give my best without any expectations. I am looking for a result that no one has achieved before. Also, my experience in Olympics will come in handy later.
Soumyajit Ghosh, Paddler
I firmly believe in the tenet, practice makes perfect. I have been practicing in Sweden for the last 2 years. My daily routine has been more than 5 hours of practice each day. I have stayed far away from home in foreign countries dedicating all my time to the game. Apart from my family and friends, paddler Subhojit Saha, from Siliguri, is my biggest inspiration. I am a huge fan of his.
The X-Factor
My sincerity and rigorous training should work in my favour. I will try to play my best match and not worry about expectations. It's easy to lose ones way in the wake of such a huge event such as the Olympics. Focus and self confidence is the key. I am going to upset some people with my game!