Pravin Jadhav, an Indian archer from humble beginnings, is no stranger to the Olympic stage. This talented athlete, born on July 6, 1996, overcame a childhood marked by hardship to become a national archery champion. After a successful debut at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Jadhav sets his sights on Paris 2024, determined to make his mark on the world stage once again. This is his remarkable story of resilience, talent, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence.
Early Life
Pravin Ramesh Jadhav was born on July 6, 1996, in the drought-prone village of Sarade in Satara district, Maharashtra, India. He grew up in a family of daily wage laborers, living in a shack near a drain. During his teenage years, Jadhav sometimes accompanied his father to work on the farm. Despite these hardships, Jadhav showed an early interest in sports, participating in the 800 meters at the district level. However, his performances were hindered by undernourishment.
His school teacher, Vikas Bhujbal, recognized Jadhav’s potential and took it upon himself to bear the expenses for Jadhav’s training and diet. This support led to improved performances and Jadhav’s selection in the Krida Parbodhini school. After receiving training for one year in Balewadi, Pune, where his 800 meters timing improved, Jadhav shifted to Amravati to train in archery. Initially, he struggled with the physical demands of archery and was on the verge of being released from the academy. However, Bhujbal’s intervention and a final chance given by the academy allowed Jadhav to prove himself, retaining his place with a score of over 45 in five shots.
Pravin Jadhav ’s Archery Schedule at Paris Olympics 2024
| Date | Day | Event | Round | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25th July 2024 | Thursday | Archery – Men’s Individual Ranking Round | – | 5:45 PM |
| 29th July 2024 | Monday | Archery – Men’s Team Round of 16 | Round of 16 | 1:00 PM onwards |
| 30th July 2024 | Tuesday | Archery – Men’s Individual | Round of 64 | 3:30 PM onwards |
Career
Pravin Jadhav first represented India at the 2016 Asia Cup Stage 1 in Bangkok, where he won a bronze medal in the men’s recurve team event. Later that year, he was part of the Indian B team in the 2016 Archery World Cup stage in Medellín.
Jadhav’s breakthrough came at the 2019 World Archery Championships. He was a member of the Indian team, alongside Atanu Das and Tarundeep Rai, which became the first men’s recurve team from India to qualify for the final since 2005. The team defeated sixth-seeded Canada, third-seeded Chinese Taipei, and hosts Netherlands to reach the final. Although they settled for silver after losing to China, their performance secured India a place at the 2020 Summer Olympics.
Jadhav made his Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and will represent India again at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Throughout his career, Jadhav has been supported by the sports NGO Olympic Gold Quest.
Personal Life
In 2017, Jadhav was recruited into the Indian Army under the sports quota after being spotted by Colonel Vikram Dhayal, coach of the compound team, during the 2016 World Cup. As of 2019, Jadhav holds the rank of havaldar in the Indian Army.
Achievements and Rankings
Pravin Jadhav has made significant strides in archery, both nationally and internationally. His achievements include:
- World Archery Championships (2019): Silver medal in the men’s recurve team event.
- Asia Cup Stage 1 (2016): Bronze medal in the men’s recurve team event.
- World Cup Stage (9 caps): 1 Gold medal in the team event (2019).
- Universiade (1 cap): Participation in 2024.
- Asian Outdoor Championships (2 caps): 1 Silver medal in the team event.
- Asian Grand Prix Circuit (1 cap): 1 Gold medal in the team event (2021).
As of 2024, Jadhav is ranked 114th in the world for men’s recurve, with his highest world ranking being 28th on April 11, 2022. His average arrow score over a two-year period is 9.2.
Personal and Professional Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Pravin Ramesh Jadhav |
| Date of Birth | 6 July 1996 (age 28) |
| Birthplace | Satara district, Maharashtra, India |
| Sport | Archery |
| Discipline | Recurve |
| Support | Olympic Gold Quest |
| Olympic Debut | Tokyo 2020 |
| World Ranking | 114 (Highest: 28 on 11 April 2022) |
| Indian Army Rank | Havaldar |
Medal Record
| Event | Medal | Year | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| World Archery Championships | Silver | 2019 | ‘s-Hertogenbosch |
| Asia Cup Stage 1 | Bronze | 2016 | Bangkok |
| World Cup Stage (Team) | Gold | 2019 | – |
| Asian Outdoor Championships (Team) | Silver | – | – |
| Asian Grand Prix Circuit (Team) | Gold | 2021 | – |
Pravin Jadhav’s journey from a humble background to representing India on the world stage is a testament to his determination, skill, and the support he received from mentors and organizations. His achievements in archery continue to inspire many aspiring athletes in India.
https://www.worldarchery.sport/profile/5665/pravin-jadhav/biography
Also read- https://globalbuzznetwork.com/paris-2024-olympics-full-schedule-india/