ARCHERY | Kumkum — staying grounded as she targets the LA Games gold

Admiring Virat Kohli and B. Dhiraj for their work ethics, 17-year-old women’s recurve Asian Games champion Kumkum Mohod understands the importance of staying grounded in order to win an Olympic gold.

After returning to a grand welcome and a roadshow at her home town, Amaravati, the Maharashtra girl was reminded of her main target by her personal coach Praful Dange.

“My sir (coach) said, ‘Forget what has happened. This is not our dream. Our dream is to win the LA Olympics (gold). You haven’t done anything yet. Stay grounded. Just focus on your work,’” Kumkum said, during an interaction organised by the Sports Authority of India on Friday.

Kumkum, who won individual and women’s team gold and mixed team silver in Japan, said she loved combining with Dhiraj, with whom she landed the World Cup Stage gold in Antalya.

“We could’ve won (mixed team gold) too. Dhiraj bhaiya advised me to enjoy the process irrespective of the result. He said, ‘If you make a mistake, it’s mine. If I make a mistake, it’s the coach’s. So, don’t take any load and shoot’.”

When Dhiraj couldn’t be present, he sent Kumkum a text message: ‘Don’t look at the opponent and behave like a champion.’

Kumkum, who skipped simple pleasures of childhood, calmed herself to win the tense shoot-off in the final and secured the gold and an Olympic quota place for the country. Now, she is keen to board the LA flight and win the gold there.

“My father says, ‘You’ll make history in LA,” said Kumkum, while remembering her parents’ sacrifices.

A Kohli fangirl, Kumkum wants to meet the cricket star. “I like his discipline and hard work. Despite his stature, he is so grounded. I have not thought what to ask if I meet him,” said Kumkum, who also finds seasoned Deepika Kumari’s dedication inspirational.

Kumkum bows to para archers, armless Sheetal Devi and limbless Payal Nag, for their courage. “I salute them. Their mindset is strong. They will do well in the Para Asian Games,” said Kumkum, looking forward to increasing her strength and fine-tuning technical aspects.