Bangalore: As she began preparations to leave India to take part in build-up international competitions leading to Athens Olympic Games, ace long-jumper Anju Bobby George promised today (May 26, 2004) she will make Indians feel proud again.

"Road to Athens is going to be very, very tough but we are ready to take the challenge", her husband, coach and a source of her inspiration, Bobby George, said at a "farewell" ceremony organised by her sponsors "Sobha Developers".

Anju is planning to take part in six to eight super grand prix and grand prix events in different parts of the world in the run-up to the Olympics in August in Athens, where she has proposed a final 25-day training stint at the games village.

The 27-year-old star, the only Indian athlete to win a medal (bronze) at the World Championship, is currently ranked fourth in the world and a real medal prospect for India at Athens.

"We have a dream", Bobby said and acknowledged that there is a lot of expectations from her in India. "Everywhere we went we were greeted with 'we are proud of you' and 'we are praying for you' messages.

"We are going with a positive mind. We will make you proud once again", Bobby said of his wife, who won the bronze at the World Championship at Paris in 2003.

"Anju is hopeful and confident. On a September evening, you will again see her here with an Olympic medal in her hands," he said.