Why 2016 is very important for Indian athletes
The year 2016 is very important for Indian athletes. I am aware that Team India will be competing in the ICC World T20 at home in March/April 2016 and skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni's side will have the home advantage.
Having said that, such is the demand these days on any athlete, one cannot expect to perform at peak, without putting in 100 per cent effort. And this holds very true for the Indian cricketers as well.
From the viewpoint of athletes who will be competing in other arenas in the coming year, what's of utmost importance is the Rio Olympics. This is one summit where every nation, big and small, sends athletes to the Games with the single hope of winning medals. The powerhouses of sport are China, the United States and Great Britain. We, as Indians, need to ensure we do the right things in the coming eight months.
As you are all aware, quite a number of athletes from various sporting disciplines have already made the cut for Rio. Apart from me, there are definitely seven more shooters who are going to be on board.
With India set to host an Olympic qualifying event in New Delhi towards end January 2016, more shooters can make the grade for the Rio Olympics. I would be very happy if more and more shooters join the squad as we have prepared well.
I can tell you for sure I am going to Rio wanting to give it my best shot. No athlete is planning to go just for sightseeing or being present at the Copa Cabana beach, including me.
From here on, my advice to Indian athletes is train smart, conserve energy and be focused. Whatever be the discipline, the training part is different for each sport but the final goal is to peak on the Olympic stage. There is nothing bigger than this for any athlete and excellence in the Olympics is the ultimate thing.
This will be my fifth Olympics, having represented India for the first time in Sydney 2000. People have asked me if having won an Olympic gold medal in Beijing 2008 gives me an advantage. The answer is no. I am starting from zero all over again and want to be in peak shape.
The pressure will be huge, almost like a pressure cooker, and you have to be ready to soak it in. That will count to a large extent on the big day where the top eight will be involved in the air rifle final.
Quite often, I am also asked how many medals India will win in Rio. I smile when I answer as winning an Olympic medal cannot be predicted so easily. I would think if we can replicate the feat of the 2012 London Olympics (two silver and four bronze medals), it would be fine.
Just look at the list of athletes who will be competing for India in Rio. So many names are the same as in London 2012. If you want more medals, you have to invest so much more at the grassroots level. That alone can result in success this year or eight years from now.
Till then, Happy New Year.
(As told to S Kannan for Mail Today.)