Kozhikode (Kerala), July 29 (IANS): Star athlete Tintu Luka's confidence is high as she gets ready for the upcoming Rio Olympics and has placed a huge expectation on herself.

"I have improved a lot and I am confident that I can reach the finals in the 800 metres," a confident Luka told the media here on Friday.

A ward at the P.T.Usha School of Athletics since 2001, the 27-year-old hails from a very poor background and has come this far by sheer grit and determination.

Luka, who has qualified for the women's 800 metre event at the Rio Games, is keen to improve on her performance at the 2012 London Olympics. She had reached the semi-finals of the women's 800m event at the 2012 Olympics, finishing sixth and unable to qualify for the final.

"At the London Olympics, I did my best but now I have corrected myself in certain areas and have improved a good deal and hence feel more confident," Luka said.

Her recent performances include a gold medal at the 2015 Asian Athletics Championships in Wuhan and a silver medal at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon.

"I also know that my co-runners at Rio are experienced," she added.