Born: 1994 (Ranchi, Bihar, India)
Biography:
Deepika Kumari (born 13 June 1994) is an Indian professional archer. Currently ranked the World No. 2, she competes in the event of archery. Kumari has a remarkable career and has won numerous accolades for her exceptional talent and dedication to the sport.
Deepika Kumari’s journey in archery began in her hometown of Ranchi, Bihar (now Jharkhand). Born to Shivnarayan Mahato, an auto-rickshaw driver, and Geeta, a nurse at Ranchi Medical College, Deepika grew up with humble beginnings. As a child, she would aim for mangoes with stones, unknowingly honing her skills and passion for archery.
However, her dream of pursuing archery professionally was financially challenging for her family. They often had to make sacrifices to support Deepika’s training, sometimes compromising their budget to buy her new equipment. Undeterred, Deepika practiced with homemade bamboo bows and arrows, determined to excel in the sport she loved.
Deepika’s talent caught the attention of her cousin, Vidya Kumari, an archer residing at Tata Archery Academy. Vidya became instrumental in nurturing Deepika’s talent and helped her develop her skills. In 2005, Deepika entered the Arjun Archery Academy at Kharsawan and later joined the Tata Archery Academy in Jamshedpur in 2006. This move marked the beginning of her professional archery journey.
At the Tata Archery Academy, Deepika received proper training, equipment, and a uniform. She also received a stipend of Rs 500, enabling her to focus solely on her craft. Her dedication paid off when she won the Cadet World Championship title in November 2009, after three years of rigorous training and competition.
Deepika Kumari quickly gained recognition as one of India’s most promising archers. Known for her precision and focus, she emerged as a strong contender for India’s shot at its first archery medal. In the 2010 Commonwealth Games, Deepika won a gold medal in the women’s individual recurve event. She then went on to secure another gold medal in the women’s team recurve event, alongside Dola Banerjee and Bombayala Devi.
Continuing her winning streak, Deepika clinched individual gold in two out of three stages of the Archery World Cup, triumphing in Guatemala and Paris. This remarkable feat also led to her reclaiming the number one ranking after nine years at the Paris World Cup. These victories established Deepika Kumari as a force to be reckoned with in the world of archery.
Her achievements earned her a spot in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, where she competed in both the Women’s Individual and Women’s Team events. Deepika finished in eighth place in the Women’s Team event, showcasing her incredible skill and determination on the global stage.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions to Indian sports, Deepika Kumari was honored with the prestigious Arjuna Award in 2012. This award is India’s second-highest sporting accolade and is a testament to her talent and hard work. She was also conferred with the FICCI Sportsperson of the Year Award in February 2014, further solidifying her reputation as a revered athlete.
The Government of India recognized Deepika’s remarkable achievements by awarding her the civilian honor of the Padma Shri in 2016. This prestigious award is a testament to her enduring impact on the sport of archery and her contribution to the nation.
Deepika Kumari’s story is an inspiration to aspiring athletes and individuals worldwide. From her humble beginnings to becoming one of the world’s top archers, she has shown that with determination, perseverance, and unwavering support, dreams can be realized. Deepika’s journey has brought a renewed focus on archery in India and has paved the way for future generations of women in the sport.
Awards:
– Gold medal in the 2010 Commonwealth Games – Women’s Individual Recurve Event
– Gold medal in the 2010 Commonwealth Games – Women’s Team Recurve Event (with Dola Banerjee and Bombayala Devi)
– Individual gold in two stages of the Archery World Cup – Guatemala and Paris
– Arjuna Award (2012)
– FICCI Sportsperson of the Year Award (2014)
– Padma Shri (2016)