Dhiraj Bommadevara is currently attracting significant attention from fans and volunteers seeking selfies at the archery venue in India. Following his match, Dhiraj graciously accommodates their requests with a smile. The only other archer who has received similar recognition is Deepika Kumari. However, Dhiraj's recent performance in Paris has placed him in a comparable spotlight.

At the global stage of the Olympics, Dhiraj and his teammate Ankita Bhakat narrowly missed securing India's first archery medal, ultimately finishing in a disappointing fourth place. They were defeated 2-6 by the United States in the mixed team bronze medal match. In the individual competition, Dhiraj faced a narrow loss to Canada's Eric Peters in the second round, losing the shoot-off by a slight margin.

For an athlete, such losses can be challenging to process, yet Dhiraj chooses not to forget. The sting of finishing fourth remains vivid, as he aims to carry this experience with him.

"I constantly remind myself in every match, every practice session, and with every arrow, I release how close I was to achieving that Olympic medal. It serves as motivation to advance step by step," Dhiraj expressed.

He further remarked, "Being so near to the goal yet unable to achieve it brings a deeper sense of pain. I feel that burden every day, which drives me to excel on the field and in my training. While reflecting on it is not pleasant, I am someone who cannot overlook anything—be it pain or fear. I prefer to confront and overcome it."

India secured six medals at the Olympics, yet coincidentally, there were also six fourth-place finishes, including those of Dhiraj and Ankita. The proximity to a podium finish at the Olympics can be a challenging reality to confront daily.

"Neglecting it does not diminish its significance. Each individual has their own method of coping. I consider myself fortunate to have finished fourth in the Paris Olympics, but I am aware of the weight of that experience, which drives me to improve—mentally, physically, and technically. This sentiment applies to every Indian archer. They must learn from this and focus on the future."

Over the years, Indian archery has demonstrated considerable potential, yet the archers often struggle during the Olympics. Dhiraj was a member of the men's team that earned a silver medal at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou and a gold medal at the Shanghai World Cup just four months before the Paris Olympics. He also achieved an individual bronze at the Antalya World Cup and secured bronze medals in mixed-team events in both Shanghai (with Ankita) and Antalya (with Bhajan Kaur).

Dhiraj believes that hosting major events domestically could help archers acclimate to high-pressure situations.

"The Olympics is regarded as the premier tournament, not just for Indians but for athletes worldwide. The scale is immense, and no other competition matches this level. In other nations, there are events designed to replicate such an atmosphere, complete with spectators and podiums."

"Countries that excel at the Olympics often host World Cups multiple times. For instance, Turkey holds it annually, while Shanghai in China is a regular venue. The USA and France follow suit. This exposure allows team members to gain valuable experience, while other athletes observe top archers and engage with the elite level of competition."

We need to organize several significant events. We are receiving considerable backing from the Archery Association of India. The facilities have seen enhancements, and discussions are currently taking place to host a premier tournament domestically, which represents a positive advancement.

Dhiraj is enthusiastic about reuniting with his former coach, Kim Hagyong from Korea, who has been instrumental in the early stages of his career. He will be training with him at the Army Sports Institute in Pune.

Dhiraj has faced challenges not only at the Olympics but also in other competitions, where he has struggled to maintain his composure, often finishing just shy of the podium. He is determined to change this pattern.

"Throughout various World Cups, I have placed fourth or fifth. To be honest, that is not a satisfying outcome. When you are eliminated early, it indicates a lack of capability and the need for extensive effort. However, when you finish so close, it shows potential, yet there are specific areas that require improvement. This is why the Korean coach is returning."

"He coached me from 2018 to 2020 and established a solid foundation. His departure during the COVID pandemic felt like a halt in my progress over the past two to three years. This year presents an opportunity for experimentation. The primary focus will be on World Cups and World Championships. I am eager to embark on this new journey with my coach."

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