``I have been a regular in several tournaments abroad. But playing at the Olympiad has its own taste,'' says Abhijit. The Olympiad has fond memories for Abhijit and his family where sister Mrunalini won her IWM title in 1996. The 22-year-old has had a hectic time in recent months -- playing in Poland, Switzerland and Russia -- but the will to play has kept him going.

The final GM norm has eluded him but Abhijit has temporarily set aside the idea. ``I am only concentrating on the Olympiad preparation.'' More so because he knows what made him lose 35 valuable Elo points. ``I concentrated too much. As a result I committed too many silly mistakes''.

Mohan Phadke has come out in a big way helping Abhijit with vital tips. ``I have been analysing the games along with Phadke. I do not want to repeat the mistakes.'' Abhijit will be accompanied by Dibyendu Barua, Pravin Thipsay, V Sarvanand, K Sasikiran and Anup Deshmukh. For Abhijit, Sasikiran, Sarvanand and Deshmukh, it will be the first feel of the Olympiad.

Abhijit still feels that a preparatory camp before the Olympiad for all those selected would have helped them understand each other better and fine tune co-ordination.