Mumbai: Compound archer Prathamesh Jawkar's journey has been a rollercoaster ride, with a detour to recurve in 2024 before returning to compound. The 22-year-old's decision to switch back to compound was sparked by the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics' inclusion of compound archery.
After winning gold in the 2023 Asian Games with the Indian men's compound team, Jawkar made the bold move to recurve, only to return to compound eight months later. His decision was driven by a shot at the Olympics, with LA offering a mixed team event in compound and potentially one spot for an Indian male.
Jawkar's switch to recurve was initially motivated by a desire to participate in the Olympics, but he soon realized that his strength and shooting volume were the only advantages he gained from training in recurve. He found it challenging to compete at the same level in compound after a long break, and his mental game suffered as a result.
Despite the challenges, Jawkar remains confident in his decision to experiment and learn from his experiences. He believes that his journey has taught him a valuable lesson about being open to new opportunities and finding his way back when faced with setbacks.
However, Jawkar's return to the national team comes with new challenges, as domestic competition in compound has increased significantly. He will need to work hard to join his fellow 2023 Asian Games champions, Abhishek Verma and Ojas Deotale, in the upcoming World Cups.
Jawkar's next goal is to make it to the Indian team for the 2026 Asian Games, which remains a big motivation for him. His journey serves as a reminder that even in the face of uncertainty, staying focused and adaptable can lead to success.
