Delhi teen becomes World Champion at Archery

In the world of sports, there are certain individuals who rise above the rest, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of spectators worldwide. Priyansh, an alumnus of Apeejay School, Noida, has done just that by bringing laurels to the nation and etching his name in the history books as the under-21 world champion in compound archery — both the singles and mixed doubles categories.

At the World Archery Youth Championships held from July 2, 2023 to July 10, 2023, at Limerick, Ireland, Priyansh became the ultimate champion. In the fiercely contested men’s U-21 individual final, he faced Aljaz Brenk of Slovenia, a formidable opponent. His unwavering focus and mental fortitude allowed him to conquer the challenge posed by the competition. Due to this, he outscored Brenk, securing a one-sided victory with a score of 147-141.

But his triumph did not end there. In the mixed doubles category, Priyansh, alongside his partner, showcased exemplary teamwork and coordination, leading them to victory and securing the second gold medal of the championship. This remarkable feat is not only a testament to his exceptional talent but also to his relentless hard work, dedication, and determination.

Priyansh’s journey to becoming a world champion is not an easy one. From the outset, he displayed passion for archery and a fierce determination to excel in the sport. Armed with a bow and arrow, he spends countless hours honing his skills on the archery range, pushing himself to his limits day after day. He is focused on his dream of becoming a world-class archer. Read on.

How did it all begin

Priyansh chanced upon the game on a summer vacation trip to the Yamuna Sports Complex Archery Ground, located in Karkardooma, Delhi. Soon after, he won a silver medal at the Junior Archery National-Level Championship in India in 2021.

Recognising his potential, his alma mater, Apeejay School, Noida, played a crucial role in nurturing his passion for archery. The school’s support and parent’s encouragement proved to be invaluable in his formative years, laying the foundation for his remarkable success.

Mastering the game

Till recently, the talented achiever has played and achieved laurels in 10 international and 15 national games. “In the last two years at the sport, my skills have increased. In the future too, I will keep working towards acing my game,” he says. Further, he mentions that perfection is his driving force. He credits his coaches Lokesh Chand Pal and Ajit Kumar for guiding him at archery.

Priyansh’s success on the international stage is a testament to his sheer dedication and commitment. His journey exemplifies the adage that talent can only take one so far; it is the relentless pursuit of excellence that separates the extraordinary from the ordinary.

His achievement at the World Archery Youth Championships has undoubtedly brought immense pride to India. Priyansh has emerged as a shining example for the aspiring youth of the nation, inspiring them to dream big and pursue their passions with unwavering determination. He has shown that with hard work, resilience, and belief in oneself, even the loftiest goals can be achieved.

Maintaining a healthy balance of work and play

Priyansh is at present, enrolled at a BCom (Honours) course at Hansraj College, University of Delhi. He says, “I want to make it big in the world of archery. In the coming years, I will prepare and take exams for top government positions.” Apart from attending his classes, he regularly devotes three hours each morning and evening to his sport. Inspired by him, his younger cousin too is hoping to make it big in the sport.

For younger players, Priyansh says, “Go for it. The sport is totally worth giving a shot. Rise above challenges and keep pursuing your passion.” As he continues his journey in the world of archery, it is evident that he is destined for greatness. His unwavering focus, commitment, and indomitable spirit are sure to take him to even greater heights in the sport. The nation eagerly awaits the next chapter in his remarkable story, confident that he will continue to make India proud, wherever his arrows may fly.