Seventeen-year-old recurve archer
The message from her personal coach, Praful Dange, has been clear and uncompromising. During an interaction hosted by the Sports Authority of India, Kumkum revealed that her mentor has urged her to move past her recent achievements. According to her coach, the recent victories are merely steps in a longer journey, and the primary objective remains the pursuit of Olympic gold. He has consistently reminded her to maintain her focus and dedication, emphasizing that there is still significant work to be done.
Building a Foundation for Future Success
Kumkum’s recent campaign in Japan saw her secure individual and women’s team gold medals, alongside a silver in the mixed team event. A key component of her development has been her partnership with B. Dhiraj, with whom she also claimed gold at the World Cup Stage in Antalya. Reflecting on their collaboration, Kumkum highlighted the calming influence of her teammate, who encouraged her to prioritize the process over the final outcome. Dhiraj’s advice to take the pressure off herself—by sharing the responsibility for potential errors—proved vital during high-stakes moments, including the tense shoot-off that ultimately secured her an Olympic quota place for India.
Beyond her technical training, Kumkum draws significant inspiration from other high-achieving athletes. She is a self-confessed admirer of cricketer Virat Kohli, citing his discipline and grounded nature as qualities she strives to emulate in her own career. She also finds motivation in the dedication of seasoned archer Deepika Kumari and expresses deep respect for the resilience shown by para-archers Sheetal Devi and Payal Nag. As she looks ahead, Kumkum is committed to refining her technical skills and increasing her physical strength, all while keeping the ultimate goal of an Olympic gold medal firmly in her sights.
