NEW DELHI: Ace
Indian archer
Deepika Kumari is a remarkable athlete who has achieved significant success in her career. However, she faces a constant struggle to balance her sporting aspirations with her role as a mother to her 19-month-old daughter, Vedika.
Despite the challenges, Deepika's resilience and determination have propelled her to the Paris Olympics, her fourth appearance at the prestigious event.
Deepika's journey to the Olympics has been marked by immense sacrifices. She spent two months away from her daughter to fine-tune her preparation, a decision that was emotionally taxing but necessary to achieve her goals. Her husband,
Atanu Das
, also an international archer, took care of Vedika during this period, providing much-needed support.
"It's difficult to explain the pain of being away from my daughter. But it's also about achieving what we have worked for over so many years. I miss her a lot, but that's how it is. Thankfully, she has been really supportive and has adapted well with my in-laws and Atanu," Deepika told PTI.
Deepika's path to the Olympics was not without obstacles. After giving birth to Vedika in December 2022, she faced physical challenges, including muscle stiffness and difficulty lifting her 19-kg bow. However, her unwavering spirit and hard work enabled her to regain her form, culminating in impressive performances at the National Games and World Cup events.
"We had planned for the delivery in such a way that we would be able to compete in Paris. But it was like starting from zero after the delivery. Forget about shooting or lifting the bow, she was not able to do even simple daily chores. Gradually, she started jogging and put in a lot of hard work at the gym to get going again," Atanu recalled.
Deepika's decision to train under the legendary Korean coach Kim Hyung-Tak has also played a crucial role in her preparation for the Paris Olympics. Despite her past achievements, Deepika remains focused on the present, determined to secure an elusive Olympic medal.
"I cannot change the past. I'm fully prepared and happy with the way I'm shooting. We will see what happens on the match day if at all we have a match-up," she added.
While Paris holds fond memories for Deepika, having won multiple gold medals there in the past, she approaches the Olympics with a level-headed mindset, treating it as any other top-level competition. Her goal is to perform well in the qualification rounds and secure a favourable draw.
"I don't understand why there is so much hype surrounding the Olympics in our country. Everyone looks up to
archery
once the Olympics nears and it creates unnecessary pressure. We have to take it like any other competition. The pressure (on the Indians) is more mental," she said.
Deepika's partnership with the talented
Dhiraj Bommadevara
in the mixed team event could be a potential strength for India. Dhiraj's recent form and ability to thrive under pressure make him a valuable asset to the team.
"Dhiraj has been shooting well and we hope for the best," Deepika concluded.
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