Confident archers Deepika Kumari, Abhishek Verma eye Asian Championships

Deepika Kumari is currently going through fitness issues including a stiff upper back and shoulder pain.

New Delhi: High on confidence after returning with silver medals from the Archery World Cup Final, India's Deepika Kumari and Abhishek Verma on Thursday said they want to continue their good work at the Asian Championships starting on November 3 in Bangkok.

Deepika bagged a silver in the recurve category -- her fourth in five years -- while Verma settled for the silver in the men's compound discipline on Sunday in Mexico City.

"The final was a tough match and I was not able to pull it off. But I am happy I won the silver medal. Last time, I even failed to qualify for the Final (World Cup) due to bad performances punctuated by low confidence. This year, I did well and qualified and I ended up with the fourth silver medal in five years," Deepika told reporters here.

But the former World No.1 archer from Ranchi is not satisfied with just a bronze and wants to win gold at future World Cups. On asked why she has been faltering at the final hurdle, Deepika said the summit clash brings a huge amount of pressure and sometimes luck also eludes her. 

But she is confident that with the support of mental trainers, she will be able to overcome that hurdle as she begins her preparations for the 2016 Rio Olympics starting with the Asian Championships.

Deepika said that she is currently going through fitness issues including a stiff upper back and shoulder pain. But she is continuing with her practice sessions which will increase in frequency and workload as the Olympics come closer.

Meanwhile, Verma said that he was lucky to bag his first medal in his maiden appearance at the World Cup Final.

"This was my first appearance at the World Cup Final and I did my best and could not have asked for a better show. Even though I missed the gold medal I am happy what I got. I now want to do well in the upcoming Asian Championships," the Delhi archer said.