‘We’re the best in Asia now'

I was a very young girl when I went to Athens. I’ll always remember the Games because we managed to put up a superb display there.

Like any other sportsperson, I too had always dreamt of participating in the Olympics. I didn’t know that dream would turn into reality so early in my career.

So, naturally, I was extremely excited! Our relay quartet had young names then but our performance put all doubts to rest. To qualify for the finals was not a mean achievement. But this time when we go to Beijing, we’ll be hoping to better our mark and hopefully, come back with a medal.

We are the best relay team in Asia at present. Hence there are a lot of expectations from us and we don’t want to let our well wishers down. I’ll also be hoping to do well in my individual, 400metres, discipline as well.

This time around, I’m a lot better prepared thanks to my sponsors who made it possible for me to train in the United States. The facilities here are remarkable and I’m making full use of these.

Last time, it took me a while to just soak into the atmosphere. This time I won’t be so overawed and will try to enjoy every moment that I get to spend at the village.

In Athens, everything was so surreal. I could not believe what was happening around me. To see Roger Federer, Andy Roddick, Michael Phelps, Kelly Homes, and their likes was a dream come true.

I couldn’t believe my luck when I found out that I’d be eating with all these greats at the same table! The Olympics do this to you; it makes you feel as big as your idol. But the experience is very humbling. It motivates you to keep improving till you’re at your best.
— As told to Malini Banerjee