Raipur

Indian archer Komalika Bari is relying on perseverance and relentless training as she attempts to revive her career and return to the international stage, with her sights firmly set on the upcoming Asian Games and the long-term goal of the 2028 Olympics.

Once regarded as one of India’s brightest archery prospects after Deepika Kumari, Komalika has experienced a significant dip in form. From reaching a career-high world ranking of 51 in 2022, she has slipped to 498 and has been out of the national squad since 2024.

Despite the setback, the 24-year-old remains determined to fight her way back. Currently ranked among the top 16 archers in India, she is part of the national training camp and is preparing intensely for selection trials for the Asian Games in Japan later this year.

Komalika emphasised the importance of staying mentally strong while maintaining a rigorous training routine. She is also planning to participate in multiple competitions to gain experience and sharpen her performance under pressure.

Her early career had drawn comparisons with Deepika Kumari, especially after she achieved a rare double at the junior level. Komalika won the under-21 World Championship in Wroclaw in 2021, defeating Spain’s Elia Canales, two years after clinching the under-18 title in Madrid. She also contributed to India’s team gold medals at World Cup events in Guatemala City and Paris, and secured a team bronze in Gwangju in 2022.

However, maintaining that momentum proved challenging. Komalika has struggled to keep pace with the rising standards of international archery and recently failed to make the top eight in trials for key global events, including World Cup and Asia Cup stages.

Even so, she views these challenges as part of her growth. According to her, setbacks are inevitable in sport, but consistent effort and determination can help athletes bounce back stronger.

Beyond her personal ambitions, Komalika is also keen to inspire aspiring athletes, particularly from tribal communities. Competing at the inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games, she hopes her presence will encourage young talents to take up sports and pursue their dreams.

Her own journey is rooted in resilience. She began archery at the age of 12, supported by her mother, an anganwadi worker, who took her to a local coach in Birsanagar. Financial constraints meant she initially trained using makeshift bamboo bows, as her family could not afford proper equipment.

Her dedication eventually paid off when she secured a place at the Tata Archery Academy in Jamshedpur, where she trained under experienced coaches. The journey, however, was far from easy—she cycled nearly 18 kilometres daily to attend training sessions.

Having previously won a silver medal at the Khelo India University Games in 2020, Komalika understands the value of such platforms. She believes the Khelo India Tribal Games can play a transformative role in nurturing talent from underrepresented communities by providing exposure and opportunities.

She also praised the multi-sport format of the event, noting that it mirrors large-scale competitions like the National Games and offers athletes a broader competitive experience.

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As she works her way back into contention, Komalika’s story stands as a testament to determination, reminding that even after setbacks, a comeback is always within reach through hard work and belief.