Olympian archer Dola Banerjee all set for second innings

New Delhi, Sep 12: It is a rare example in the field of Indian sports where both, brother and sister, have been representing the country for years and earning repute by acquiring laurels.

They are ace Indian archers Rahul Banerjee and Dola Banerjee. For the last three years Dola Banerjee, the Olympian archer, has kept herself away from participating in the games. While her brother Rahul is still in the fray, trying to make a comeback following a poor show last year.

In a bid to prepare strongly for the upcoming World Championship, to be held in Mexico next month, Rahul is training under his elder sister Dola Banerjee for the last two months.

Dola, who won an individual gold at the 2007 Dubai World Cup, did not to want to reveal about her second innings.

She only commented, “I am likely to make official retirement from archery this year. Then I will present myself as a coach, officially. But it can be said that the journey has begun with my brother.”

Rahul Banerjee, who won a silver in the USA World Cup as one of the Indian team members in 2013, failed to shine after that. He even had failed to make a return to the Indian team last season.

Now, ahead of the selection trial for the senior Indian team for Mexico World Championships for the last couple of weeks, being held at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) complex in Kolkata, Rahul has been able to retain his place in the top eight.

The top three will get into the Indian men’s squad.

Rahul said, “Only after I started training under my sister for the last two months I started improving. Her observation and game reading is so precise that she is able to rectify my faults accurately. More importantly, she is continuously inspiring me which has given me proper confidence.”