Priya Aditi
Archer Abhishek Verma: As the champions of the Asian Games are greeted with dhols and garlands at the Delhi airport, they are simply “overwhelmed” to be reminded of the festivities. At least, that’s how silver medalist Abhishek Verma of the men’s compound team in archery feels. Verma states, “It is undeniably an honor to know that your nation is proud of you, and that your endeavors and performance are a symbol of their respect.”
The Delhi resident, who during his youth listened to mythological anecdotes concerning Guru Drona, Arjun, and Eklavya, was profoundly influenced by them, as he explains: “In 2002, my interest in archery was sparked by my fascination with the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Twenty years have passed since that time, and Arjun from the Mahabharata continues to be an inspiration to me to this day. “We all grow up hearing the heroic exploits of such warriors, and I aspired to be exactly like them.”
The 34-year-old graduate of Hansraj College (Delhi University) remarks on his victory at the 2022 Asian Games: “At that moment, it seemed as though I were striving for the machli ki aankh, which has been my objective since the 2014 Games. Moving forward, I am certain that all I need to do is improve my aim towards that center.”
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Verma, who presently serves as an Assistant Commissioner for the Income Tax Department in Delhi, has no plans to stop moving forward. “This is only intended to be a two-day celebration; I would return to my normal routine thereafter. “A month from now, I will be preparing for the Asian Championship and the European Cup. National Games are also in order, and regardless of whether it is a national or international championship, the preparation is identical. Therefore, I intend to approach both with the utmost concentration and effort necessary to represent my country with pride.”
