Out of Indian team since 2014 Asian Games flop show, archer Tarundeep Rai today bounced back into reckoning by winning three gold medals at the 12th South Asian Games and he credits his improved show to mentor Chungda Sherpa.
Hailing from Rai's native place in Namchi in Sikkim, Sherpa works for Army Sports Institute and his job includes technique and video analysis.
"He knows me personally since I began at the Boys Sports Centre here at the 58 Gorkha Training Centre in Shillong way back in 1997. He's with me in every way and I'm really grateful to him for this turnaround," Rai told PTI.
Rai, who had a historic Asian Games silver in Guangzhou 2010 beside winning a team bronze in Doha 2006, was eliminated in the first round in Incheon Games in 2014.
His world ranking has now plummeted to 238 but things have again started looking bright for Rai who will turn 32 on February 22.
"I started losing confidence and nothing went right for me, and I sought help of Chungda and he gladly joined me in May 2015," Rai said.
In the same year, Rai had won the National Games gold in Kerala as he's slowly gaining back his old magic.
"He's making a big difference to my game. I've changed my release technique on his advice and it's helping me. The best part is he's with me all the time, even when I'm back home in Namchi he's near me."
Returning to Shillong where it all started for Rai way back in 1997 when he was selected to join BSC in 58 GTC.
"This is where it all began for me. I feel really nostalgic today. 2016 had started on a winning note, I just hope to continue," Rai who won the men's team, mixed pair and individual gold medals at the SA Games today, added.
Sherpa too hailed Rai for his dedication and said, "He has to improve his timing as far as execution is concerned. I'm sure he's going to go far -- Yeh ek lambi race ka ghoda hai.
