Exclusive | ‘I’d be the biggest fool if … ‘: Olympian Deepika Kumari on criticism, her legacy, and more | More sports News

Deepika Kumari (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

NEW DELHI: If archery is the place calm meets chaos in the span of a heartbeat, then Deepika Kumari has lengthy been India’s most trusted arrow.Last month in Shanghai, she proved as soon as once more that her goal is much from fading.“Getting my hands on the medal — I see this as an improvement,” Deepika tells TimesofIndia.com after clinching her 18th particular person World Cup medal at the Stage 2 occasion.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!The knockout rounds introduced the formidable Koreans, and whereas Deepika stumbled in the semifinal in opposition to Olympic champion Lim Sihyeon, she didn’t keep down for lengthy, returning to outshoot former world champion Kang Chaeyoung 7-3 to safe bronze.

HUNGER FOR AN OLYMPIC MEDAL

“I feel very proud. I think I’ve contributed something to Indian archery. People say, ‘Because of you, archery became known.’ But until I win an Olympic medal, I won’t feel I’ve truly proven myself,” stated the four-time Olympian.Deepika’s participation in 4 Olympics has seen her attain the quarterfinals in each the Tokyo and Paris editions — her finest particular person finishes at the Games so far.Heartbreaks, for sure, have usually been her companion on the sport’s biggest levels.The Olympic dream, nonetheless, shouldn’t be a closed chapter.“Dealing with Olympic heartbreak in Paris? I dealt with it the next day. I just moved on, thinking the next time I play in the Olympics, I’ll definitely win a medal,” she says, eyes set on LA 2028.

‘I’D BE THE BIGGEST FOOL IF…’

The strain doesn’t finish at the archery vary; off the subject, backlash usually follows — fuelled by a nation’s Olympic hopes that typically tip into harsh judgment.Deepika, in a world of immediate opinions, has realized to filter out the static: “Why give answers to those who don’t know anything? If someone doesn’t know me, hasn’t seen me struggle, why bother reacting? If someone doesn’t even know me and I carry their opinion around, I’d be the biggest fool.

Deepika Kumari of India (Photo by Dean Alberga/Handout/World Archery Federation by way of Getty Images )

“They say, ‘You’re just standing and shooting.’ I tell them: you try standing for eight hours. Now add pulling 22 kilos of force, 350–400 times a day. In 45°C heat. Then tell me it’s just standing and shooting.”The bow itself weighs 3.5 to 4 kg, and the demands aren’t just muscular. As the veteran adds, “You can’t rely only on body strength. You need the control of mind while drawing the bow — it must be balanced. Without proper training, kids today are injuring themselves trying to lift too much, too fast. We used to believe rest wasn’t part of training. Now I know how important rest is.”

NEW COACH, NEWER MOTIVATION

With a new coach, Olympian Rahul Banerjee, and support from the Reliance Foundation, Deepika is now rewiring from the ground up. Yes, even a veteran sometimes needs to go back to the basics, and Deepika is currently doing just that.Recalling her early academy days, Deepika continues, “In India, we’re continually in comparison with Koreans, who’ve had a structured system from childhood. But in our nation, expectations are excessive, and persistence is missing.“Like when I went to an academy, I was told, ‘If you don’t perform within the next six months, you’ll be removed.’ So it’s the same everywhere — limited time, less funding. They expect performance instantly.“Then gamers overlook to construct the base as they’re compelled into bettering their efficiency. In India, there’s nonetheless a lack of awareness at the grassroots, particularly about the fundamentals. So I’m focusing on rebuilding my base from scratch.”For many, just affording the sport is a mountain, as post-pandemic inflation has hit archery gear hard.“After COVID, gear prices have gone up lots. archery set-up can price round 5.5 lakh INR (approx. $6500). You can get fundamental gear for two to 2.5 lakh, however these won’t be of worldwide customary,” she reveals.

All eyes on the LA 2028 Olympics

While the LA 2028 Olympics might still be a few chapters away, Deepika is excited about the introduction of compound archery — a discipline where Indian archers have excelled over the years.“If medal possibilities enhance, our nation advantages,” she provides.ALSO READ: Indian farm lady who picked up gun at 13, now recovering Olympic heartbreak: The Maheshwari Chauhan story“In compound archery, we shoot with triggers and more mechanical help. In recurve, it is all guide. Even a small mistake can price lots. In compound, the set off helps.”Nevertheless, earlier than LA, Deepika’s focus is on the remaining World Cups, the nationwide trials, and the Asian Games subsequent 12 months.“My coach and I’ve been making an attempt a brand new method. We’re mixing his expertise with my fashion. I wish to develop into the senior world champion,” she sighs.