Komalika achieved great success at the junior level, but is facing challenges at the senior level. She is working hard for selection for the Asian Games 2026 and is also inspiring the youth through Tribal Games.
Raipur. In 2021, when Komalika equaled her statemate Deepika Kumari by winning both the World Cadet and World Junior titles, she became the second female recurve archer from India to achieve this feat. After this success, people’s expectations from this player of Jamshedpur increased a lot.
However, after performing brilliantly at the junior level, his journey in the senior circuit was not that easy. She is trying to make a place in the Indian team for big platforms like the Asian Games and 2028 Olympics, but has not been able to fully cement her place yet.
Preparations for Asian Games 2026 selection intensified
Now the selection of the Indian team for the 2026 Asian Games has reached the final stage. In such a situation, Komalika has further strengthened her preparations. In the ongoing national training camp in Pune, she is paying special attention to improving her technique as well as mental strength.
Komalika told,
I am currently in the top-16 and am part of the national training camp. I am seriously preparing for the Asian Games selection. I want to gain experience by participating in as many competitions as possible and am continuously maintaining my training.
Special focus on mental strength
Komalika believes that mental balance plays a very important role in archery. He said,
My ultimate goal is 2028 Olympics. Right now my training is going well and I am continuously working hard. It is most important to remain mentally strong, because this improves performance.
She further says that her journey has taught her that ups and downs are part of the game, but with hard work and determination every difficulty can be overcome.
Aim to motivate tribal players
This talented archer from Jharkhand is participating in the Khelo India Tribal Games and has become the main attraction of the archery competition here. Their aim is not only to win but also to inspire the tribal youth to come forward in this sport. He said,
I want more and more people to see me playing and get inspired to take up this game. This platform gives both opportunities and inspiration to the players.
From struggle to success: childhood story
Komalika started archery at the age of just 12. His mother, who is an Anganwadi worker, supported him fully. She took him to the local coach in Birsanagar, from where his journey started. In the early days, the economic situation was not strong, so he practiced with a bow made of bamboo. She started her struggles from the year 2012 and continued working hard.
Difficult journey to Tata Archery Academy
Four years after starting her training, Komalika got admission in Tata Archery Academy, Jamshedpur. Here he practiced under the guidance of coaches Dharmendra Tiwari and Purnima Mahato. But reaching this academy was not easy. He had to cycle 18 kilometers from his home every day to practice. She says,
When I started, I had many senior players whom I considered as my role models. Seeing him inspired me to move forward.
Importance of Khelo India Tribal Games
24-year-old Komalika is taking part in individual, team and mixed team events in the competition held in Raipur. Earlier, she had won an individual silver medal in Khelo India University Games 2020. She believes that Tribal Games are a big opportunity for tribal players. He said,
This event can change the sports ecosystem. This platform is very important especially for tribal players, because many games are organized here simultaneously, which gives an experience like national games.