Aim Like an Arrow

With two years of archery training behind her and experience from four tournaments shaping her confidence, she earns her selection - a milestone built on discipline and determination.

Kalyani Pawar, 16, a 9th grader from Avasara Academy, preparing for the Zonal Under-16 archery competition.

While the sun still seeks motivation to get out of bed, 16-year-old Kalyani Pawar stands before the target with a radiating passion. Early in the morning, when the dew drops are still fresh on the ground, Kalyani practises almost daily with her fellows at Avasara Academy.

Kalyani Pawar is a young and dedicated archer who has achieved remarkable progress in a short span of time. She has already participated in several distinguished competitions after just two years of archery training. Among these are the SFA tournaments, district trials, BAFL events, and district matches for zonal selection. She now plays under the guidance of BAFL, an organization that works to empower students through sports.

“I met a girl at SFA with a hearing problem who had played 34 tournaments. Her down-to-earth nature taught me kindness, and she helped me throughout the event.” says Kalyani aiming her arrow.

“Actually, it feels like a victory. But also like pressure.This achievement came to me with responsibility. I have to work to get qualified.” That's Kalyani’s aim set on the target

Kalyani still remembers the moment she was selected for zonals, a mix of excitement and pressure settling over her at once. Archery wasn’t always part of her plans; it found her when her maths teacher, who later founded BAFL, introduced the sport to her, and she instantly felt, “This is so cool.”

Two years later, that spark has grown into discipline. Archery has made her more serious, more focused on her health, and more aware of herself.

Kalyani along with her fellow Anushka, selected for zonals U-19, right before bells rings for first period.	“I always watch the players on TV and study their style. I never imagined myself in their place—it still feels like a distant dream, but it’s a dream”, says Kalyani as her arrow strikes the target again.

For Kalyani, archery is a quiet discipline that sharpens her focus and steadies her confidence, and she believes every sport gives something back if you stay with it. She once trained in lathi-kathi too—something she had to leave behind, yet still returns to whenever time allows. In both, she has found strength, balance, and the steady determination that continues to guide her forward. Her practice halts right before the bell when she switches hats from a determined archer to a diligent student.

“I don’t want to promote archery—even if you don’t get excellence, every sport gives something back. Never feel discouraged just keep on learning.”

Written by Shrutika Navale, Grade 9, Avasara Academy, Pune

Shrutika wrote this photo-story as a participant of the Media-Makers Fellowship's Nov'25 cohort.