I believe I can fly: A bee is seen flying above G. Daneshen’s head during the men’s compound event. — Bernama
ARCHER G. Daneshen wished his debut in the Paralympics could have been rosier.
He was eliminated from the men’s compound event at the Les Invalides in Paris on Friday but he has one more chance to show that he is worthy of the big stage.
Daneshen, together with Nur Jannaton Abdul Jalil will compete in the mixed team event, where they will face Italy’s Matteo Bonacina and Eleonora Sarti in the last eight elimination round today.
Daneshen said the first day was tough due to weather conditions and admitted he felt the jitters.
“But if you pressure yourself, you can’t do your best. The opening day was windy but I found my groove going in the elimination round,” said Daneshan, who has polio.
The world No. 20 gave a good fight before going down 142-144 to favourites He Zhihao from China in the last 16.
“I lost by two points against China, which was painful but I also told myself that there would be more opportunities in life,” he said.
“It was a great experience but I want a medal, and hopefully it will come in the mixed team event,” said Daneshen, who took up the sport when he was 14.
Now 27, the archer from Kulim, Kedah qualified for the Paralympics for the first time after winning silver in the men’s compound category at the World Ranking Phase Eight competition in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates in March.
Coach Marzuki Zakaria said Daneshan and Jannaton, have a chance in the mixed team event.
“Daneshen and Jannaton are first-timers in the Games. But in terms of how they have performed, I cannot fault them so far, especially with Daneshen,” he said.
“He only lost by two points against one of the best in the world. The match against Zhihao showed that he does not give up easily and was affected by minor errors. It was a positive lesson for him.
“They have to be super focused. The weather can be unpredictable but they have to be prepared for any eventuality.”
