Kolkata | August 1, 2025 :
In a moment that has set Indian sports abuzz, two young archers from the Sports Authority of India’s National Centre of Excellence (SAI NCOE), Kolkata, have delivered stunning performances at the global level, clinching multiple gold medals for India and writing a new chapter in the country’s archery legacy.Sahil Rajesh Jadhav, 24, and Shrey Bhardwaj, 23, were honoured at a felicitation ceremony in Kolkata today, after returning victorious from two of the most prestigious international competitions in the world: the FISU World University Games in Germany and the World Police and Fire Games in the USA.
SAHIL JADHAV: GOLD UNDER PRESSURE, SILVER WITH GRIT
At the FISU World University Games held in Rhine-Ruhr, Germany (July 16–27), Sahil Jadhav brought glory to India by winning gold in the men’s individual compound archery event, defeating Britain’s Ajay Scott in a dramatic final with a narrow 149–148 finish.
He followed it up with a silver medal in the team event, where India lost by just one point (232–231) to Turkey in a fierce battle.
“The final was intense every arrow mattered. I focused on what my coach Haresh Kumar taught me: block out the noise, trust your rhythm. That gold was more than a medal—it’s was a dream come true,” said Jadhav, overwhelmed after claiming his first-ever international medal.
SHREY BHARDWAJ: A GOLDEN HATTRICK IN THE USA
At the World Police and Fire Games, held in Birmingham, Alabama (June 27–July 4), Shrey Bhardwaj made history with a rare hattrick of gold medals, winning in recurve outdoor, 3D, and field archery categories—three distinct, physically and mentally demanding formats.
In the 3D event, archers must hit obscured targets in forested, low-light environments—testing precision under pressure.
“Shifting formats is a true test of focus and endurance. Winning all three felt surreal. The training at SAI Kolkata was the backbone of my preparation,” said Bhardwaj, a former cricket hopeful from Jamshedpur who found his calling in archery.
A CRADLE OF CHAMPIONS: SAI KOLKATA’S ARCHERY LEGACY
These victories are not isolated achievements. SAI NCOE Kolkata has long been a breeding ground for India’s top archery talent, producing stalwarts like Limba Ram, Deepika Kumari, Atanu Das, and Bombayla Devi.
Currently, 47 archers train at the centre—30 in recurve, 15 in compound, and 2 in para-archery. In just the last two years, the centre has produced 23 national gold medals and five international titles.
“These wins aren’t just medals—they’re milestones,” said Shrimati Amar Jyoti, Regional Director-in-Charge, SAI Kolkata. “Sahil and Shrey have carried forward our rich tradition and inspired hundreds of rising athletes across the region.”
LEGENDS APPLAUD THE NEXT GENERATION
The event saw the presence of Indian archery greats Bombayla Devi and Mangal Singh Champia, who praised the young champions for their discipline and composure on the global stage.
“Winning at this level requires intense mental strength. These two have shown they belong at the very top,” said Bombayla, a three-time Olympian.
“Their success reflects not just skill but character. Indian archery is in safe hands,” added Champia, an Olympian and multiple World Cup medallist.
