In the first stage of the Hyundai Archery World Cup tournament in Shanghai, Deepika Kumari, a renowned Indian archer, made a remarkable comeback to the Indian team and the international stage. Starting as the 30th seed, Kumari defied all odds by advancing to the final four. In the quarterfinals, she pulled off an impressive upset victory over Jeon Hunyoung Jeon, who was ranked sixth seed.
Among those standing alongside Kumari in the finals are last year’s winner Lim Sihyeon, third-ranked Korean Nam Suhyeon, and local favorite Li Jiaman. The Indian archer expressed her joy at being back on the team and competing on such a significant platform. She emphasized her passion for archery and how it gives her a sense of fulfillment.
Kumari’s absence from the Indian team in 2023 was due to giving birth in late 2022. However, she has returned to international competition with renewed vigor and determination. Despite a lackluster performance in qualifying and an early exit in the team event, Kumari demonstrated her true potential during the eliminations. Her psychologist played a crucial role in helping her regain a positive mindset and focus solely on her own performance without being distracted by her opponents.
Looking back on her matches, Kumari acknowledged the challenges she faced but emphasized that staying in her zone was essential for success. With exceptional archery skills and unwavering determination, Kumari has once again proven herself as a force to be reckoned with on the world stage.
Overall, Deepika Kumari’s triumphant return to competition is an inspiration not only for fellow archers but also for anyone facing adversity or looking to overcome obstacles in their pursuit of excellence.
