News Mania desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/4th May 2024
Dhiraj Bommadevara, the sole Indian recurve archer to secure a spot in the individual event at the upcoming Paris Olympics, emphasizes the team’s pursuit of clinching a quota in the team events, signaling their unwavering determination to excel on the global stage.
Having earned his ticket to the Summer Games by virtue of his silver medal triumph at the Asian Qualifying Tournament in Bangkok, the 22-year-old archer is now focused on translating the individual quota into a team quota, underscoring the collective efforts aimed at achieving this pivotal milestone.
“We are trying hard to convert the individual quota into a team quota, so we are working consistently towards it, planning for it and taking part in as many tournaments as possible,” Dhiraj affirmed, highlighting the team’s concerted endeavors to bolster their prospects ahead of the prestigious quadrennial event.
The recent triumph at the Archery World Cup Stage 1 in Shanghai marked a historic moment for Dhiraj and his compatriots, as the Indian men’s recurve team, comprising Dhiraj, Tarundeep Rai, and Pravin Ramesh Jadhav, clinched the coveted gold medal, ending a 14-year drought in the competition. Reflecting on this remarkable achievement, Dhiraj expressed profound elation, stating, “We all feel very happy. The plan, the mindset we all had, got executed and we maintained that till the end.”
With meticulous focus and unwavering determination, the Indian team navigated the intense competition, culminating in a triumphant victory against formidable opponents. “Our mindset was to just focus on our game and not to focus on our opponents. We had a tunnel-vision focus,” Dhiraj elaborated, shedding light on the team’s unwavering resolve amidst challenging circumstances.
The camaraderie within the men’s recurve team, fueled by a shared sense of purpose and mutual respect, serves as a cornerstone of their success. Dhiraj, Tarundeep Rai, and Pravin Ramesh Jadhav, all hailing from the Indian Army, share a deep bond forged through years of camaraderie and collaboration. “Tarun bhaiya (brother), Pravin and I – we three are from the Indian Army. So we stay and play together consistently. We know each other for long,” Dhiraj remarked, emphasizing the significance of their enduring camaraderie.
As the youngest member of the historic gold-winning team, Dhiraj acknowledges the invaluable learning opportunities afforded by his seasoned teammates. “I know I can learn a lot from my team members and it’s only about how much I get to learn,” he affirmed, underscoring his commitment to continuous growth and improvement.
Looking ahead to the Paris 2024 Olympics, Dhiraj maintains an optimistic outlook, emphasizing the team’s focus on delivering their best performance while remaining steadfast in their pursuit of excellence. “Our first priority is to get the team quota. We will go to Paris 2024 with a simple mindset just to give our best,” he asserted, highlighting their unwavering commitment to achieving their collective goals.
Despite the challenges and setbacks encountered along the way, Dhiraj remains resolute in his determination to overcome obstacles and realize his dreams. Reflecting on the support received through initiatives such as the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), he acknowledges the pivotal role played by financial assistance in alleviating stress and enabling him to focus wholeheartedly on his athletic pursuits. “It helped me to just focus on my game and my performances,” Dhiraj remarked, underscoring the transformative impact of targeted support in fueling his journey towards Olympic glory.
As Dhiraj Bommadevara and his teammates embark on their quest for Olympic success, their journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, teamwork, and unwavering determination in overcoming challenges and realizing one’s aspirations on the world stage.
