In the opening stage of the Hyundai Archery World Cup tournament held in Shanghai, Indian archer Deepika Kumari made a triumphant return to the team and the international stage. Despite starting as the 30th seed, she defied the odds and advanced to the final four.
Kumari’s outstanding performance in eliminations was her highlight of the tournament. She pulled off an upset victory over Korean archer Jeon Hunyoung Jeon, who was ranked sixth. Among the finalists standing alongside Kumari are last year’s winner Lim Sihyeon, third-ranked Korean Nam Suhyeon, and local favorite Li Jiaman.
Kumari expressed her delight at being back on the team and competing in such a crucial year. She emphasized her passion for the sport and how it gives her a sense of fulfillment. After missing out on the Indian team in 2023 due to giving birth in late 2022, Kumari has returned to the international stage with a renewed vigor. Despite a lackluster performance in qualifying and an early exit in the team event, she demonstrated her true potential during eliminations.
Kumari credits her psychologist for helping her regain a positive mindset and focus on her own performance without being distracted by her opponents. Reflecting on her matches, Kumari acknowledged that she faced challenges but highlighted that staying in one’s zone is key to achieving success. With exceptional archery skills and determination, Kumari has proven that she is a force to be reckoned with on the world stage once again.
In conclusion, Deepika Kumari has shown remarkable resilience and skill as she returns to compete on India’s archery team for another year. Her triumphant return could not have come at a more crucial moment for India’s archery community as they continue their pursuit of global glory at this year’s tournament in Shanghai.