India’s Pravin Jadhav impresses at first international

Shooting at his first international event, as part of the Indian B Team, Pravin Jadhav posted a team-leading 666 points during qualification to seed 16th.

Pravin, who hails from humble beginnings, has only been shooting with modern equipment for just over two years. Previously, he’d used a traditional bamboo bow, but since being taken in by Shahu College in the province of Pune, he’s produced incredible results with equipment borrowed from, and gifted by, the archery community in the region.

The college provide food and board for the young man, with additional assistance offered by the regional sports administration and Indian Archery Federation.

Sport is more than a hobby for Pravin. He hopes it will become a way to provide for his family: His parents, farmers, and a younger brother that lives back at home.

Pravin’s time, talent and work put into his archery training has, in Medellin, started to pay off. Having collected a third-place finish with an Indian recurve men’s team at the Asia Cup in Bangkok to start the year, his Medellin performance has already yielded a match win – over host nation athlete Daniel Betancur – and he’s still in the competition.

“I’m mostly happy with my shooting,” said Pravin. “Although I also had a seven and some eights.”

“I‘ve been very impressed with the competition, and the kindness of the other people here.”

Pravin is not in the running for selection to the Indian team for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games but, if he continues competing at such a high level, he’s one to watch for the future.