Kolkata, Jul 20: Overwhelmed by the attention she is getting in Nagaland for being only the second athlete from the state to qualify for the Olympics, Indian women's archery team member Chekrovolu Swuro said winning a medal in London would not just be a personal high but also an expression of her gratitude to her 'tribe'.

London Olympics Special

In 1948, Nagaland's Dr Talirmen Ao led a barefoot Indian football team to become the first Olympian from the Northeastern state. Being the second Naga Olympian after Dr Ao, the 29-year-old from Dzulha village of Phek district of Nagaland is a popular figure in the state. In fact, CVhief Minister Neiphiu Rio is all set to fly London with his entourage to cheer for Swuro during the July 27-August 12 extravaganza.

"There are prayers for me (at the Nagaland churches). The chief minister (Neiphiu Rio) has wished me luck personally. He is also likely to fly to London to cheer for us. It's a proud moment for me," Swuro said in an interview. "They are very happy for me and doing every little thing possible for me. It's an additional responsibility on me. I'm overwhelmed. I don't want to break their hearts," said the sub-inspector with the Nagaland Police.

Swuro hoped that her Olympic stint would improve sporting infrastructure in the state. "We had to go through a lot of hardships to come here. We did not have any equipment, no facility. But there is no dearth of talent. Hope things would get better now. People now talk about me. Wherever I go, they follow me. I hope to return with an Olympic medal that would inspire my fellow Naga people.

PTI