Indian archery star Deepika Kumari has returned to the international stage with renewed vigor, making it to the final four of the opening stage of the Hyundai Archery World Cup circuit. After starting as the 30th seed, Kumari pulled off an upset victory over sixth seed Jeon Hunyoung Jeon in the quarterfinals.
Kumari’s return to the team comes after she missed out on selection in 2023 due to giving birth in late 2022. Despite a lackluster performance in qualifying and an early exit in the team event, she demonstrated her true potential during eliminations.
Kumari credits her psychologist for helping her regain a positive mindset and focus on her own performance without being distracted by her opponents. Reflecting on her matches, Kumari acknowledged the challenges she faced but highlighted the importance of staying in her zone to achieve success.
The tournament’s finalists include last year’s winner Lim Sihyeon, third-ranked Korean Nam Suhyeon, and local favorite Li Jiaman. The Indian archer expressed her delight at being back on the team and competing in such a crucial year, emphasizing how it gives her a sense of fulfillment through her passion for the sport. With exceptional archery skills and determination, Kumari is once again proving that she is a force to be reckoned with on the world stage.