Rahul Banerjee, a Commonwealth Games gold-medallist archer, has launched a new academy in New Delhi to help elite athletes achieve their Olympic dream. The academy, which will be open to aspiring youngsters in Delhi-NCR and those from tribal areas across the country, aims to scout for talent at the grassroots level. The academy will be located at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in association with the Sports Authority of India (SAI) under the government’s public-private partnership agreement. Banerjee has stated that he has played at the highest level and knows how to help elite athletes handle pressure.

1. Atanu Das and Deepika Kumari have enjoyed tremendous success, winning multiple World Championship, World Cup and Asian medals, but have not been able to achieve success at the Olympics.
2. Abhishek Verma, a two-time Asian Games gold medallist and world championship silver winner, is one of the few archers in the country who has the talent to excel at the Olympics.
3. Compound archery has been added to the LA28 roster, and Banerjee believes that Abhishek can dream of a medal in the compound mixed team event.

Banerjee has opened an academy at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in association with the Sports Authority of India (SAI) under the government’s public-private partnership agreement. The academy will not only cater to aspiring youngsters in Delhi-NCR but also scout for talent at the grassroots level across the country, especially tribal areas.

“I have all the medals except the Olympic medal and same is the case with Atanu and Deepika. So we thought let’s start together and had a one-month session,” said Banerjee. “I have played at that level and know what exactly happens during those crunch moments when just one point can make the difference between winning a medal or returning empty-handed. I think, I can help them achieve their Olympic dream.”

Banerjee’s target aligns with that of Atanu and Deepika, who have made several changes in their technique and other spheres to make their shooting form more consistent. He also believes that age is just a number, and someone like Abhishek Verma, who will be 38 years old when the LA28 Olympics will be organised, can dream of a medal in the compound mixed team event. “Look, there are archers who are shooting 150/150. Then there is a tie, then comes closest to the centre (to decide the winner). Archery is so competitive. Abhishek is right up there as far as the standard goes. There is no other player other than him who is a contender for LA28,” said Banerjee. “I have full faith he will qualify,” Banerjee added, highlighting the potential of Abhishek Verma to excel at the Olympics. Banerjee also believes that Indian coaches have acquired the same level of competence as the foreign experts. He stated that the Indian coaches, who have trained under foreign experts, can communicate easily with their wards, which is a huge advantage.

• Rahul Banerjee has launched a new academy in New Delhi to help elite athletes achieve their Olympic dream.
• Atanu Das and Deepika Kumari have enjoyed tremendous success, but have not been able to achieve success at the Olympics.
• Abhishek Verma is one of the few archers in the country who has the talent to excel at the Olympics.

Banerjee has stated that he definitely sees a role for legendary archer Limba Ram, 52, in his academy in Delhi.