Tendenthoi returns to Asian Games with greater maturity and confidence

Tendenthoi Devi Haobijam approaches her second Asian Games outing with a markedly different mindset compared to her debut at the Hangzhou edition in 2023, when nerves and inexperience tempered what was otherwise a solid performance.

The 23-year-old Manipuri athlete will anchor India's challenge in the women's coxless four, rowing in the No. 3 position alongside Poonam (No. 4), Aleena Anto (No. 2), and Gurbani Kaur (No. 1). The quartet has been training and competing together for over a year, allowing them to build understanding of each other's rowing styles and emerge as a cohesive unit.

"My first international competition was the Asian Games in 2023. My performance was good, but I wasn't very confident because I was still a junior at that time. I had to learn a lot from the seniors and take their advice," Tendenthoi said.

The preparation for this campaign has been notably more comprehensive, with the crew undergoing acclimatisation together and receiving support on the mental aspects of competitive rowing, including meditation and psychological coaching sessions. This holistic approach reflects the Indian rowing programme's commitment to ensuring its athletes are fully prepared for international competition.