In a heartfelt and engaging conversation, India’s celebrated archery duo, Deepika Kumari and Atanu Das, opened up about their humble beginnings, Olympic dreams, professional rivalry, and life as partners on and off the field.
Their story, brimming with resilience, clarity, and discipline, is a rare glimpse into the emotional and mental fortitude it takes to pursue sporting excellence while sharing a life together.
The Unlikely Beginning: From Crisis to Craft
Deepika Kumari’s journey into archery began not from a love for the sport, but out of necessity. Raised in a modest household with financial constraints, Deepika came across an archery academy during her summer vacation. What attracted her initially wasn’t the sport it was the fact that the academy offered food, lodging, and clothing for free.
“I belonged to a very middle-class family,” she recalls. “My mother handled everything at home, and things were tough financially. When I heard about this archery facility in Seraikela, where everything was free, I thought I should try. It would lessen the burden at home.”
With support from her father, Deepika convinced her family to let her join the academy. However, she faced an early setback rejection. “I was told I was too weak. But I spoke to the CM of Jharkhand then, Arjun Munda ji, and said, ‘Give me three months. If I don’t improve, you can remove me.’ He agreed. That was my shot.”
She had no prior knowledge of archery. But the colors, the scores, and the precision started intriguing her. Slowly, she fell in love with the sport and with relentless discipline, she carved out a path that led her to four Olympic appearances and now, a potential fifth in LA 2028.
Atanu Das: From Restlessness to Precision
Atanu Das’s entry into archery was more accidental but equally transformative. A highly energetic child, he was introduced to the sport by his father, simply as a way to channel his intensity.
“I was very restless and aggressive as a child,” Atanu admits. “My father suggested we try something different, and he introduced me to archery. At that point, I had no idea what it was.”
But once he picked up the bow, something shifted. Archery demanded focus, calm, and emotional balance qualities Atanu began to develop through the sport. Over time, what started as a curiosity turned into passion and profession.
“There was no social media or smartphones in our childhood. We just played cricket or football in the neighborhood. But this was different. Slowly, I realized this could even take me abroad. It became serious.”
Balancing Love and Competition
One of the most intriguing aspects of Deepika and Atanu’s journey is that they not only compete for India on the global stage but are also life partners. From mixed team events to individual competition, they often face each other professionally but keep personal and professional boundaries clear.
“At home, we are like any normal couple,” Deepika says. “But on the ground, we are competitors. We don’t mix personal emotions with performance.”
“We support each other like teammates,” Atanu adds. “But we also push each other to improve. There’s no room for blame. Even if we don’t do well as a team, we talk about it only after the competition is over, and with clarity, not emotion.”
The couple was also candid about their experiences in high-pressure competitions like the Olympics, where Atanu has even been in the commentary box while Deepika competed on the field. Their dynamic shows mutual respect, shared ambition, and clear communication.
New Scoring System: More Excitement or More Chaos?
The World archery had recently tested a new scoring format where X-ring shots (perfect center hits) carry 11 points instead of 10 potentially altering match dynamics. Both Deepika and Atanu shared mixed opinions.
Atanu, ever the analyst, pointed out: “This makes matches more exciting for viewers, no doubt. A two-point gap can now be overturned in one arrow. But it can also be unfair to someone who’s been consistent with 9s and 10s throughout, only to lose because the opponent hit one X.”
Deepika though expressed concerns especially for recurve archery: “In compound, where precision is higher and scores are always around 150, it makes sense. But in recurve, it adds a randomness that doesn’t always reflect true performance.” They did mention that the new rules may not be effective before the upcoming Olympics as there are mixed views.
Pressure, Mental Preparation, and the Olympic Stage
What goes through an archer’s mind before the final arrow in a critical match?
“For me, pressure is internal,” Deepika explains. “I don’t worry about what others think. I remind myself of my technique my stance, my release. That’s all that matters.”
She doesn’t dwell on future results or medals during the match. “I don’t let thoughts like, ‘What if I win an Olympic medal?’ distract me. We all go to win, of course. But I stay in the moment. I perform because I want to execute my technique perfectly.”
Atanu agrees, but adds a broader perspective. “Yes, we all chase medals, but sometimes, despite preparation, things don’t go your way. You can be at your best and still lose. Or a mid-tier player with a lucky break can win. That’s sport.”
He emphasized the importance of controlling the controllable and staying mentally ready for all outcomes.
Looking Ahead: Eyes on LA 2028
As Deepika Kumari prepares for a possible fifth Olympics, her legacy is already written in Indian archery history. But she’s not done yet. And neither is Atanu.
Their journey from humble beginnings to global podiums is not just about medals it’s about resilience, clarity, and evolution. Whether it’s Deepika’s early rejection or Atanu’s transformation from a restless child to a precision athlete, their stories are living examples of what belief and discipline can achieve.
They remain India’s archery power couple not because they are perfect, but because they are committed. Committed to the sport, to each other, and to constantly raising the bar.
As the archery world evolves, so do they with one eye always on the target, and the other on the bigger picture.
