Four-time Olympian archer Deepika Kumari isn’t thinking about hanging up her bow just yet. Instead, she’s channeling all her energy into honing her mental resilience, aiming for a spectacular swansong at the Los Angeles Games.
At 29 now, Deepika will be 34 when the Los Angeles Olympics arrive in 2028. She believes this will likely be her final Olympic appearance, approaching it with a “do-or-die” mentality.
“This isn’t the final chapter of my career; I haven’t decided on that yet. Every competition I’ve experienced so far has been an invaluable learning curve,” Deepika shared with PTI Videos during the Archery Premier League’s opening day in New Delhi.
Deepika revealed that her current training regimen is deeply focused on perfecting both the psychological and technical facets of her performance.
“I’ve been intensely working on both the mental and technical aspects of my game, and participating in this league is significantly aiding my progress,” Deepika explained. “Competing before a live audience certainly brings pressure, but it’s this very pressure that pushes athletes to grow and refine their preparation.”
She emphasized her commitment to mastering every minute detail: “I’m striving to master every technique. Historically, I’ve often faltered mentally during critical matches in tournaments, which has directly impacted my results.”
“I’m dedicating myself to extensive visualization and mental training – constantly thinking, even during daily activities like walking or eating. My goal is for my technique to be so deeply ingrained that it becomes second nature, allowing me to perform without conscious thought during high-pressure moments. My training is relentless.” Deepika also expressed her excitement about compound archery’s inclusion in the Olympic program, foreseeing a major boost for India’s medal prospects.
Mental well-being in Sport
She highlighted the powerful camaraderie among Indian archers, which she believes is vital for navigating the sport’s mental challenges. “As archers, we offer each other immense support. While on the field, our discussions are purely about archery, but off the field, we stand by each other. If anyone faces mental or technical hurdles, we address them collectively,” Deepika elaborated.
The Olympian also celebrated her strong partnership with her husband and fellow archer, Atanu Das, underscoring their mutual support both in their professional and personal lives.
Deepika warmly welcomed India’s inaugural Archery Premier League, calling it a long-awaited and much-needed development for the sport in the nation. “Playing in a tournament right here in India is incredibly exciting because it’s the first time a league of this kind has been launched. We’re all thoroughly enjoying it. The archery league has finally arrived, and it’s something we’ve anticipated for a very long time,” she added enthusiastically.
Finally, she encouraged fans to attend and show their support for the athletes. “People should absolutely come and cheer for the players. The crowd’s presence generates pressure – which is beneficial because it helps us prepare for intense matches. When spectators attend and remember the names of the athletes, it truly ignites an incredible energy,” Deepika concluded.