Kumkum Anil Mohod's dream takes flight in Antalya
NEW DELHI: Barely a month after announcing herself on the international stage when Kumkum Anil Mohod won the team recurve gold in the Shanghai leg of the World Cup in May partnering Deepika Kumari and Ankita Bhakat, the 17-year-old from Amravati, Maharashtra has delivered a brilliant performance once again.
Partnering Olympian Dhiraj Bommadevara , the teenager played a crucial role in India's recurve mixed team gold-medal triumph at the Archery World Cup Stage 3 in Antalya on Sunday, as the Indian duo stunned world No. 1 Korea 5-1 in a commanding final.
For many, it was another gold medal. For Kumkum, it was the latest chapter in a journey built on persistence, self-belief and the ability to learn from those around her.
India's road to gold was anything but easy. The pair defeated Denmark in the round of 16, United States in the quarterfinals, overcame Germany in the semifinals and then produced their finest performance against the Koreans to stand atop the podium.
The youngster admits that having Dhiraj alongside her made a world of difference.
"Dhiraj gave me a lot of confidence. He told me to focus only on my shot. He kept saying that if things go bad, it's on the team, and if things go well, that's for the team," Kumkum said after the victory.
The calmness she displayed under pressure was not accidental. It was the product of weeks of preparation at the national camp in Sonipat following the selection trials held in May.
Kumkum credits the support staff for helping her sharpen not just her technique but also her mindset.
"The camp before the tournament helped a lot. Psychologist Gayathri ma’am helped me improve my visualisation and focus. She worked closely with us, and the physios were always there to support us through the mixed team, individual and team events," she said.
The confidence she carries also comes from home. Kumkum's father who runs a small business manufacturing sweet boxes has always motivated her daughter to dream big, leading her to achieve such great things at a very young age.
"My father motivates me a lot. He keeps pushing me to do well, even when I'm feeling down. He keeps calling me up to check in on me during tournaments and he is my biggest supporter,” she said.
The rise of soft-spoken Kumkum represents the emergence of a fearless young archer who is quickly proving that she belongs among the world's best.
At 17, she is already collecting gold medals on the world stage. Yet, what stands out most is her willingness to stay grounded, absorb every lesson and keep moving forward.
Partnering Olympian Dhiraj Bommadevara , the teenager played a crucial role in India's recurve mixed team gold-medal triumph at the Archery World Cup Stage 3 in Antalya on Sunday, as the Indian duo stunned world No. 1 Korea 5-1 in a commanding final.
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For many, it was another gold medal. For Kumkum, it was the latest chapter in a journey built on persistence, self-belief and the ability to learn from those around her.
India's road to gold was anything but easy. The pair defeated Denmark in the round of 16, United States in the quarterfinals, overcame Germany in the semifinals and then produced their finest performance against the Koreans to stand atop the podium.
The youngster admits that having Dhiraj alongside her made a world of difference.
"Dhiraj gave me a lot of confidence. He told me to focus only on my shot. He kept saying that if things go bad, it's on the team, and if things go well, that's for the team," Kumkum said after the victory.
The calmness she displayed under pressure was not accidental. It was the product of weeks of preparation at the national camp in Sonipat following the selection trials held in May.
Kumkum credits the support staff for helping her sharpen not just her technique but also her mindset.
"The camp before the tournament helped a lot. Psychologist Gayathri ma’am helped me improve my visualisation and focus. She worked closely with us, and the physios were always there to support us through the mixed team, individual and team events," she said.
The confidence she carries also comes from home. Kumkum's father who runs a small business manufacturing sweet boxes has always motivated her daughter to dream big, leading her to achieve such great things at a very young age.
"My father motivates me a lot. He keeps pushing me to do well, even when I'm feeling down. He keeps calling me up to check in on me during tournaments and he is my biggest supporter,” she said.
The rise of soft-spoken Kumkum represents the emergence of a fearless young archer who is quickly proving that she belongs among the world's best.
At 17, she is already collecting gold medals on the world stage. Yet, what stands out most is her willingness to stay grounded, absorb every lesson and keep moving forward.
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