Priyansh Targets Gold: Advances to Semifinals in Archery World Cup
In a thrilling display of skill and consistency, Indian compound archer Priyansh has secured his second semifinal appearance at the 2024 Archery World Cup, continuing his remarkable form. On Thursday, he advanced to the top 4 of the Antalya World Cup thanks to a stellar performance in the elimination rounds. Priyansh's brilliance was on full display as he shot four consecutive scores of 149, guaranteeing his spot in the semifinals. In a gripping quarterfinal match, he triumphed 149-147 over hometown favorite Batuhan Akcaoglu, further boosting his chances of making it to his first World Cup Final. Entering the elimination rounds as the fourth seed, Priyansh's impressive journey included a narrow victory over fellow countryman Prathamesh Fuge in the third round, edging him out with a score of 149–148. Now, with an eye on improving his silver medal finish from the Shanghai World Cup, Priyansh is set to face Denmark's top-ranked Mathias Fullerton in Saturday's semifinals. Meanwhile, the team's seasoned archer, Abhishek Verma, faced an early exit in the third round, ending his season and dashing his hopes of advancing to the World Cup Final. He has impeccable shooting and the capacity to handle things under pressure ~ A Breathtaking Backstory! (Image Source: Google Images/World Archery) Priyansh, an Apeejay Noida class 12 student, describes his initial encounter with the sport after winning a silver medal at the Junior Archery National-Level Championship in India (his first faultless triumph that made headlines). While on a summer vacation, he unexpectedly stumbled upon the game at the Yamuna Sports Complex Archery Ground in Karkardooma, Delhi. He had no idea that in a few months, he would be sharpening his craft on the field for over twelve hours a day. He remembers attempting to win his parents over with his academic performance to be granted clearance to play the game. “I remember my initial days at the Academy when I barely knew anyone. Abhishek Verma, a gold and silver medallist at the 2014 Asian Games, whom I idolized was the first person I spoke to. He made me feel very comfortable as I sat with him in the canteen. Since that time, I have admired his humility. I also look up to his game as he delivers the number of shots he commits. He is always spot on and rarely misses a mark,” says Priyansh in one of his interviews on various news channels. The young player started training in compound-bow archery in 2020, and within a year and a half aced the game to be able to participate in an International-level championship. He credits his coaches Lokesh Chand Pal and Ajit Kumar for guiding him throughout. At present, the young archer is preparing for the World Youth Archery Championship due to be held in Poland from Aug 5 – Aug 19, 2021. His mantra for steadying his mind before a match “Just breathe!” “During the lockdown, it became difficult to be able to practice the sport. I then began with 18-metre shooting, and gradually built up strength and capability to be able to perform at the game.” ~ Priyansh Passionate Spirit For His Sport and Artistry Behind It!
