For most athletes, sport occupies a major part of life. For Sahil Jadhav, archery has become life itself.
The 25-year-old Indian archer from Satara recently aced India’s selection trials in compound archery to earn a place in the country’s 12-member squad for the Asian Games 2026, scheduled to be held in Japan from September 19 to October 4.
Sahil also secured one of the biggest results of his career after winning bronze at the Archery World Cup Stage 2 in Shanghai last month.
However, behind the podium finish lies a far less glamorous reality: years of repetitive training, financial sacrifice and an obsession with improvement that rarely leaves his mind.
“I always tell people one thing – I am already married to archery,” the 25-year-old Sahil Jadhav told Olympics.com, trying to explain a life that has become completely consumed by the sport.
“My mornings, my thoughts, my routine and my dreams all revolve around archery. I honestly cannot imagine my life without it. Even when I am resting, somewhere in my mind I am thinking about archery and how to improve.”
Speaking from the Sports Authority of India’s National Centre of Excellence in Kolkata following his selection from the NCOE in Sonipat, Haryana, Sahil spoke about the years of sacrifices that shaped his journey.
Unlike some of India’s more established names in compound archery, Sahil is still building his identity on the international stage, making his participation at the upcoming Archery World Cup stages in Antalya and Madrid crucial.
“There were difficult times financially but my parents never allowed me to feel pressure. Whatever I needed for training, competitions or equipment, they somehow managed. Today, when I wear the India jersey, I feel I am carrying their dreams too.”
His development as an archer took shape under coach Praveen Sawant at the Satara academy, where discipline became central to his progress.
“Sir always tells us one thing – talent alone means nothing; discipline wins medals,” Sahil said.
For Sahil, compound archery is a sport that constantly tests patience and mental strength.
“Archery teaches you patience in a brutal way,” he explains. “One small mistake can cost you everything. You learn to control your emotions, breathing and thoughts. Slowly, the sport changes your personality.”
One of the encouraging moments of his career came last month when he won bronze at the Archery World Cup.
“When I stood on the podium, the first people I thought about were my parents. People celebrate the athlete, but behind every athlete, a family is making silent sacrifices every single day.”
With the Asian Games approaching, Sahil understands the next phase of his career could define his future in the sport.
“I don’t want to just participate in the Asian Games. I want to win gold for India. That thought motivates me every single day.”
Away from competition, life remains simple and repetitive.
“People think sports life is glamorous but our life is basic – practice, gym, recovery, sleep and then practice again.”
Yet even after long training days, archery continues to occupy his mind.
“My friends ask why I don’t take breaks,” he says. “But when you truly love something, you don’t get tired of it. Archery gives me peace.
READ MORE: https://www.olympics.com/en/news/sahil-jadhav-indian-archer-interview-compound-archery
