BeyondBooks: Aiming high and staying on target

She is a Class XII student with a passion for archery and a clear goal to pursue corporate law. Archery is more than a sport to her; it’s a way to challenge her focus, patience, and discipline. Alongside her studies and CLAT preparation, she aims to compete at an international level in archery. Meet Aadvika Chetan Shetty, a student at Apeejay School, Nerul.

In a candid interview, she talks about the challenges the sport throws at her.

How did you first get introduced to archery, and what drew you to the sport?

I’ve been drawn to archery since childhood, but the first time I held a proper bow was during a summer camp I attended. I felt an immediate connection and knew I wanted to pursue it. The mix of patience, mental strength, and the satisfaction of releasing a perfect shot is what truly hooked me.

What kind of bow do you prefer using, and why?

I prefer the compound bow. I love its technical nature, the precision and control it demands, and the high level of accuracy it allows.

Can you walk me through your pre-shot routine or mental preparation before releasing an arrow?

I begin with a balanced, shoulder-width stance and steady my breathing, exhaling halfway to stay grounded. Drawing the bow, I anchor it to my jaw, lower my sight to the centre, rest my finger lightly on the trigger, and use my back muscles to pull through until the shot releases cleanly.

What’s the most challenging aspect of archery for you?

For me, managing pressure during competitions is the biggest challenge. Precision and consistency come with training, but staying mentally calm when every point matters is something I work on constantly.

What was the most memorable competitive moment?

It was during a state-level competition. I recovered from a shaky start and ended with an excellent final round. It was my first-ever competition, and it made me even more passionate about archery.

How do you train your focus and stability during long practice sessions?

I break my practice into focused blocks, taking short mental resets in between. I also use visualisation exercises and mindfulness to keep my concentration sharp, even when fatigue sets in.

What role does physical fitness play in improving your archery performance?

Physical fitness is vital for compound archery, where bow poundage demands strong back and shoulder muscles. As poundage increases for speed and accuracy, greater strength and stability prevent strain, maintain form in long sessions, reduce injury risk, and ensure consistent performance.

Role of the school and the support you get.

My school has been very supportive in helping me balance academics with my archery commitments. Teachers and peers encourage me to participate in competitions, which keeps me motivated.

What advice would you offer to someone who’s just starting in archery and wants to improve?

Archery is ultimately a competition with yourself, demanding mental strength and focus on personal growth over comparison. Progress depends on how you handle pressure, fatigue, and precision. Improvement is gradual, but when you love the process, each practice, shot, and challenge becomes a rewarding step forward.