Indian archer Deepika Kumari has had a decorated career. The recipient of the Arjuna Award and Padma Shri is currently ranked 9th in the World and is all set to represent the country at the upcoming Tokyo Olympics. Rising from humble beginnings, the daughter of Shivnarayan Mahato, a rickshaw driver and Geeta Mahato, a nurse at Ranchi Medical College, Deepika Kumari has scaled the heights of world archery and is hungry to achieve more. Reflecting on her journey so far, Deepika said “There are a lot of emotions attached of course, but when I sit back and reflect, I really wonder how far I have come from where I had initially begun. I still have a long way to go though.” 

From practicing archery with homemade bamboo bows and arrows to training at the Tata Archery Academy, Deepika is thankful for the academy’s support for all that she has achieved. “The Tata Archery Academy has played a very big role. The coaches recognized my talent at the right time and polished my skills. They provided me with everything I needed at that time, right from good quality equipment to top notch coaching. I will always be very grateful to them for all this,” says Deepika. 

Despite the obvious talent Deepika Kumari possesses, she credits her success to everyone who has played a part in her journey including those who dislike her. “It would be wrong to pick just one name as there are a lot of people involved behind an individual's success. So I would say right from my family to my entire team, the government and even people who don't like me, they are all my support. I had different coaches when I started my career in archery who taught me the basics of the sport and when I joined Tata Archery Academy, there were different coaches who helped me improve. I’m thankful to all of them, ” says Deepika. 

With the COVID-19 pandemic taking a toll on the athletes preparations for the Tokyo Olympics, Deepika explains how challenging training under the restrictions has been. She says, “Archery is a very technical sport and getting practice during the lockdown was very difficult. It left us with very little time to continue training because the facilities were inaccessible and we had to overcome many obstacles. With the lockdown ending, it has become easier and we are working very hard while following all the COVID-19 regulations.” The pandemic has not just taken a toll on the physical preparations ahead of the biggest tournament in the world, but a mental one as well. Emphasizing the importance of mental health, Deepika Kumari said, “It (mental health) plays a very big role as your mindset is what gives you the confidence and I believe that in a sport like ours, 90% of the game is fought mentally.” 

The former World number 1 was featured in a documentary ‘Ladies First’ by Uraaz Bahl that won an award at the London Film Festival. Her life story is an inspiration to millions of girls out there who consider Deepika Kumari a role model. “It feels great to be a role model and inspires me to do better,” said the Indian archer. Encouraging more girls to take up the sport, Deepika said, “Anyone can participate in sports, the only factors that are important is the support from your family and the determination to compete. There are many roads that will lead you to the destination, many academies have been set up and athletes can have a very good life. The important thing is to work hard, be focused and determined to achieve your goals. The beauty of sports is that there is no difference between big or small, boy or girl, caste or religion. It teaches us to look beyond these differences and learn teamwork, unity and treating everyone equally.” 

Archery has not received as much attention from the media compared to cricket, and when asked if there is a lack of knowledge amongst the Indian masses about the sport, Deepika said, “It’s not like nobody knows or understands archery, there are many people who do, but archery is not a very popular sport. It’s not broadcasted enough on tv which is why people don’t really understand the sport and they find it very easy and boring.” The 26 year old has already achieved so much in her illustrious career and is focused on bringing the medals home at the Tokyo Olympics. When asked about her future plans, Deepika said, “I have no plans for the future, I don’t want to think so far ahead. I’m only focused on the Tokyo Olympics.” 

Deepika Kumari is the most successful Indian archer, yet the elusive Olympic medal has been out of reach for the former World number 1. She will hope to set this record right at the upcoming Tokyo Olympics and set a benchmark that Indian athletes in the future will aspire to reach. SPOGO wishes her the best of luck in future endeavours.