Page 34 - BPCL Magazine_Vol 2_Issue 2_April May June_2025

Editor’s Pick

Match That Made History

Deepika Kumari’s Unforgettable Comeback
Event: Archery World Cup 2024
Venue: Athletes Stadium, Shanghai, China
Teams Participated: 30

After a two-year hiatus from In a gripping opening individual But what she took away from the
international competition, Indian match, she was down 5-1, just one event was more than medals. “I
archer Deepika Kumari made a point away from defeat. But with realized I perform better when I focus
thunderous return to the world stage unwavering focus, Deepika bounced on a single technique throughout the
at the 2024 Archery World Cup in back. Arrow after arrow hit its mark— match. That calmness and clarity
Shanghai. Once ranked 141 in the 29, then 30—tying the match, and helped me, and it’s something I carry
world, Deepika stepped back on to finally delivering a perfect 10 to seal with me in every match now.” From
the field with nerves, determination, the win. world rank 141 to a place in the finals
and the heart of a fighter. of the World Cup, Deepika Kumari’s
“That moment changed everything.
journey in Shanghai is a testament
Despite not being a part of the team I gained confidence, and I started
to resilience, focus, and the spirit of a
for two years and constantly falling dominating,” she said. Deepika went
true champion.
just short during selections—always on to defeat archers from Vietnam,
ending up at the fifth position—she Germany, Italy, and Korea —some
never gave up. Re-entering as an of whom had significantly more
individual competitor, she felt as if she experience than her. Her incredible
was the underdog. “I was nervous. I run led her all the way to the finals,
didn’t know how I would perform. But I where she clinched the silver medal,
by Mr. Deepak Jain,
told myself—I cannot lose this match,” narrowly missing out on the gold to a
GM (Sports) HRS, CO
she recalled. formidable Korean opponent.

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