Seventeen-year-old compound archer
Prithika’s journey to the Asian Games squad follows a standout performance during the selection trials, where she secured the top spot. Her momentum continued on the international stage this year, highlighted by an individual bronze medal and a team silver at the World Cup Stage-4 in Madrid. These achievements follow her earlier success as a World youth silver medallist and a World Cup Stage silver medallist in 2025.
Focusing on Composure and Team Dynamics
Born in Nagercoil and raised in Pune, Prithika initially took up archery as a hobby simply because she was drawn to the name of the sport. Now, she approaches the discipline with professional intensity, incorporating meditation, gym work, and rigorous match practice into her daily routine. She credits her recent international exposure, including the inaugural Archery Premier League, with bolstering her confidence. The league’s high-pressure format, which reduced the time allowed for each shot from 20 seconds to 15, proved to be an invaluable learning experience.
As she prepares for the challenges of the Asian Games, Prithika is leaning on the guidance of her senior teammates. She noted that training alongside established archers like Jyothi Surekha has been instrumental in her development. According to Prithika, the advice to remain composed and avoid unnecessary pressure has been a recurring theme in their training sessions.
Beyond the archery range, Prithika draws significant inspiration from M.S. Dhoni, often citing his quick decision-making and mental fortitude as qualities she strives to emulate. She also looks to tennis star Novak Djokovic as a role model for his competitive mindset. As she balances her individual training with preparations for the women’s and mixed team events, Prithika remains focused on the task ahead, aiming to translate her recent international form into a successful performance at the upcoming Asian Games.
