Teen Archer Prithika Channels Dhoni for Asian Games

Seventeen-year-old compound archer Prithika Pradeep is gearing up for her debut at the Asian Games, finding inspiration in the composed approach of cricket icon M.S. Dhoni. Prithika, a World youth silver medallist and World Cup Stage silver medallist in 2025, recently topped the Asiad selection trials.

She further proved her mettle by securing individual bronze and team silver at the World Cup Stage-4 held in Madrid in 2025. Prithika is currently sharpening her skills at the Sonipat camp alongside experienced archers V. Jyothi Surekha and Chikitha Taniparthi.

Prithika, who was brought up in Pune, adopted archery as a hobby. She is benefiting from training with her senior teammates, who share valuable experience. Jyothi Surekha, in particular, advises her to remain calm and perform her best without succumbing to pressure.

idolizing Dhoni for his mindset, calmness, and swift decision-making, Prithika also draws confidence from her performances in the Archery Premier League. This league, with its reduced shooting time, and exposure to foreign archers have been beneficial.

Alongside refining her individual technique, Prithika is focusing on teamwork for both women's and mixed team events, preparing for various pairings with male archers. Her training routine includes meditation, warm-ups, practice, matches, and gym work.