Dhiraj Bommadevara, the lone Indian recurve archer to secure an Olympic quota for Paris 2024, played a pivotal role in India’s historic triumph at the Archery World Cup Stage 1 in Shanghai. The Indian men’s recurve team, comprising Bommadevara, Tarundeep Rai, and Pravin Ramesh Jadhav, defeated archery powerhouse Korea in the title round, reclaiming the gold medal after a 14-year hiatus.
Bommadevara, a beneficiary of the Sports Ministry’s Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), also bagged a bronze medal in the mixed team event alongside Ankita Bhakat. India’s victory over Mexico in straight sets marked their second medal in Shanghai.
In an exclusive interview with SAI Media, Bommadevara shared his insights on the team’s success, their mindset, and their aspirations for the Paris Olympics.
On the Historic Gold Medal:
“We’re overjoyed,” Bommadevara exclaimed. “We executed our plan and maintained our focus throughout the competition.”
On the Team’s Mindset:
“We focused solely on our game and ignored our opponents,” Bommadevara explained. “We maintained clear communication and supported each other through every situation.”
On Team Bonding:
“Tarundeep Rai, Pravin, and I are all from the Indian Army, so we spend a lot of time together,” Bommadevara said. “We’ve developed a strong chemistry that translates into our performances.”
On Being the Youngest Member:
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn from my experienced teammates,” Bommadevara stated. “I’m constantly striving to improve and avoid repeating mistakes.”
On India’s Chances at Paris 2024:
“Our chances are promising,” Bommadevara asserted. “We’re working towards converting our individual quota into a team quota. Our priority is to qualify as a team and then give our best in Paris. We’re not setting expectations but preparing for every scenario.”
On the Impact of Tarundeep Rai:
“Tarundeep Rai’s experience is invaluable,” Bommadevara said. “He shares his tactical and philosophical insights, which helps us immensely. His dedication inspires us to push ourselves.”
On the Mental Strength of Indian Archers:
“We’re focused on improving ourselves rather than comparing ourselves to others,” Bommadevara explained. “We learn from our mistakes and strive to perform better.”
On the Impact of the Compound Team:
“Our compound team is world-class,” Bommadevara said. “Their success motivates us to raise our own standards. Jyothi Surekha’s ability to handle pressure in various events is truly inspiring.”
On the Support from TOPS:
“TOPS has provided me with financial stability and allowed me to focus solely on my game,” Bommadevara said. “It has alleviated the financial burden on my family and enabled me to pursue my Olympic dream.”
