Every time before a major multi-discipline competition, Deepika Kumari goes incommunicado. It is not just about trying to focus on training but also to avoid the persistent questions about her dip in form and inability to break the jinx.
It continued here on Thursday as the Word No. 7 crashed out in the pre-quarterfinals of the individual recurve event, losing 7-3 to Chinese Taipei’s Chien-Ying Lei despite a strong start.
Deepika began with a 27 and a 29 before the final shot in the third set, a six-pointer, upset her rhythm and from thereon, it was all downhill.
Her defeat, along with that of Vishwas among the men, left Atanu Das as the lone Indian to advance to the quarterfinals in the individual recurve event. Das, however, failed to move any further, losing 7-3 to Indonesian Riau Ega Agata 7-3.
Deepika had landed in the city later than other archers due to fever and admitted participation was victory enough. “I am disappointed, but the fact that I even managed to come here and participate is a big thing for me. I was not at my best,” she said.
Physical fitness may have been a genuine reason, but questions on her mental toughness continue, even though she now has a personal sports psychologist. They will remain till she breaks the jinx.