In an inspiring tale of determination and talent, 11-year-old Sohit Kumar from Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, has etched his name in the annals of Indian archery. At the Under-15 National Archery Championship held in Guntur, Sohit achieved a remarkable score of 710 out of 720, setting a new national record in the compound archery category and clinching the gold medal.
Humble Beginnings and Unwavering Determination
Sohit’s journey is a testament to resilience. His father, a vegetable vendor who navigates life on crutches, has been a pillar of support despite the family’s modest means. “No one in the family was ever a sportsman. This is God’s blessing and my boy’s hard work,” he shared with pride.
Early Recognition and Rigorous Training
Sohit’s potential was first noticed by Rinku Chaudhary, an army physiotherapist, who introduced him to coach Ricchpal Singh at the MP Archery Academy. Despite the academy’s usual age requirement of 12–16, Singh was so impressed by Sohit’s raw talent that he made an exception. “I felt if he wasn’t given a chance now, his talent would go to waste. That’s why I gave him admission — and he proved himself,” Singh remarked.
Aiming for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics
With compound archery set to debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Sohit has his sights firmly set on representing India on the global stage. “Soon, there will be trials for the International Youth Championship, and I want to perform well and represent the country,” he expressed with determination.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Sohit’s story is not just about personal achievement; it’s a beacon of hope for countless young athletes from underprivileged backgrounds. His journey underscores the importance of early talent identification, dedicated mentorship, and unwavering support in nurturing sporting excellence.
As India continues to celebrate its young sporting talents, stories like Sohit’s serve as powerful reminders of the potential that lies in every corner of the nation, waiting to be discovered and nurtured.
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