Bows, Borrowed Money and Gold: The Grit of Haryana’s Archery Stars
Discover how Kirti and Kushal Dalal overcame financial hurdles and distance to achieve international archery success for India.
Behind the glittering gold medals and international accolades of India's archery stars lies a story of grit, parental sacrifice, and an unwavering will to succeed. The journeys of Kirti and Kushal Dalal, two young archers from Haryana, serve as a powerful testament to how determination, when paired with family support and institutional backing, can propel athletes from rural villages to the global stage.
Kirti Dalal: From a Second-Hand Bow to Asian Games Gold
For Kirti, a resident of Ritauli village in Jind district, the path to victory was not paved with luxury. Her journey began in 2019-20 at her school in Pillukhera, where coach Udyam Singh spotted a raw talent that could be molded into a champion. He urged her family to support her training, sparking a journey that would eventually lead to history.
Financial constraints were a constant hurdle. To get her started, Kirti's father, Vijay Sharma, purchased a second-hand bow for Rs 5,000. However, as Kirti's skill grew and she was selected by the Sports Authority of India (SAI), the need for professional-grade equipment became urgent. In a move that defines parental sacrifice, Vijay Sharma borrowed Rs 60,000 from a commission agent to ensure his daughter had the tools necessary to compete at the highest level.
The investment paid off in spectacular fashion. Kirti, alongside teammates Ankita Bhakat and Kumkum Anil Mohod, secured India's first-ever Asian Games gold medal in the women's recurve team event, bringing immense pride and celebration to her ancestral village.
Kushal Dalal: The Quest for Composure
Kushal Dalal’s story is one of exploration and discipline. Coming from a farming background, Kushal's entry into sports was initiated by his mother, Geeta, who took him to Rajiv Gandhi Stadium primarily to improve his physical fitness. While he experimented with various sports, including boxing, he eventually found his calling in archery, drawn to the sport's requirement for extreme concentration and composure.
The road to training was literal and long. Kushal travelled nearly 60 kilometres to reach the facilities where he could hone his craft. This persistence led him to international glory, including a gold medal at the GT Open in Luxembourg. With his sights now set on the Olympics and the Asian Games, Kushal continues to build on the foundation laid by his family's support.
The Institutional Engine: NTPC’s Role in Indian Archery
While individual grit is essential, the rise of these athletes also highlights the critical role of institutional support. Since 2018, NTPC has been a cornerstone of Indian archery's growth, contributing Rs 152.88 crore through the National Sports Development Fund, the Sports Authority of India (SAI), and the Archery Association of India (AAI).
The Dhanurvidya Project
Through the NTPC Dhanurvidya Project, the organization is systematically bridging the gap between grassroots talent and international standards. The initiative focuses on:
- Talent Identification: Targeting under-13 and under-15 recurve and compound archers.
- Infrastructure: Supporting academies in Maharashtra, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Jammu and Kashmir, with plans to expand to Lengpui in Mizoram.
- Professional Growth: Providing specialized coaching, scholarships, and international exposure for athletes, as well as certification for domestic coaches.
An Archery Association of India spokesperson emphasized that the goal is to create a "stronger, more accessible and sustainable pathway" for archers to move from local participation to world-class competition.
A Golden Campaign and the Road to LA 2028
The success of Kirti and Kushal was recognized recently when they met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi. The meeting followed an impressive Asian Games campaign where India finished fourth overall with 85 medals, 21 of which were gold.
Archery was a standout performer in this campaign, contributing nine medals: five gold, two silver, and two bronze. While the compound teams swept all three team golds, the women's recurve team's victory was a historic milestone. Furthermore, the momentum continues as Chikitha Taniparthi and Sahil Jadhav have already secured India's first Olympic quota places in compound archery for Los Angeles 2028.