‘Behave like a champion’: Dhiraj’s message motivates Kumkum to Asian Games glory

India’s 17-year-old recurve archer Kumkum Anil Mohod has revealed how idol Dhiraj Bommadevara’s advice helped her stay focused during her historic Asian Games gold double. She also won mixed team silver and plans to work on technique, strength and mental conditioning

New Delhi: Indian recurve archer Kumkum Anil Mohod, who won a historic gold-medal double on her Asian Games debut in Japan, has revealed how fellow archer and her idol, Dhiraj Bommadevara, motivated her with a message before her crucial individual gold-medal match.

The 17-year-old became the first Indian to win gold in the women’s recurve individual event at the Asian Games, also securing a quota place for the LA28 Olympic Games. Her individual triumph came a day after she teamed up with Ankita Bhakat and Kirti to win India’s first-ever women’s recurve team gold at the continental event, ending South Korea’s run of seven consecutive titles.

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Responding to an IANS query during a media interaction facilitated by the Sports Authority of India (SAI), Kumkum said she did not get an opportunity to speak to Dhiraj before her individual and team gold-medal matches. However, the 25-year-old sent her an encouraging text to keep her motivated.

“Dhiraj bhaiya came over after my match, but he texted me, ‘Focus on yourself, don’t think about who the opponent in front of you is, and behave like a champion’,” she said.

India’s victories in the women’s individual and team events ended South Korea’s dominance. For the first time in the 48-year history of archery at the Asian Games, South Korean women returned without a gold medal.

Kumkum also teamed up with Dhiraj, with whom she had won gold at the third stage of the World Cup, to claim silver in the mixed team event. The Indian pair lost 5-3 to China in the final.

Speaking about partnering with the Olympian, Kumkum said the experience helped her compete with a relaxed mindset.

“Dhiraj bhaiya is my idol. That day, I felt we could have won gold in the mixed team event. It wasn’t that difficult; we just had a slight issue with our aiming. Partnering with Dhiraj for the mixed team was great because he motivates me a lot,” she said.

“He had told me that whether we win or lose, we have to enjoy the entire match and play. He also said, ‘If you make a mistake, that’s my fault, and if I make a mistake, that’s the coach’s fault.’ Don’t take any pressure at all; just shoot your best shot. When I was playing alongside him, there was no tension whatsoever,” she added.

Kumkum had earlier expressed a desire to meet Indian batting star Virat Kohli. Asked what she would say to him if she got the opportunity, she told IANS that she admired his discipline and grounded nature.

“I admire his discipline. Despite being such a huge star, I really like how he is so grounded. As of now, I haven’t thought about what I would ask him when I meet him,” she said.

Currently competing in the Archery Premier League (APL), Kumkum said she had no major international events remaining this year. After the APL, she will take part in the Senior National Archery Championships, scheduled to be held in Shillong, Meghalaya, from November 11 to 18.

The teenager said she planned to use the break to work on her technique, physical strength and mental conditioning.

“Right now, the plan is to work on a few technical aspects and focus on my physical strength. I need to go to the gym daily and simultaneously work on mental conditioning to stay mentally strong during tournaments,” she said.