Prithika Pradeep readies for Asian Games debut at Sonipat camp

Seventeen-year-old compound archer Prithika Pradeep is preparing for her Asian Games debut at the Sonipat camp on September 01, 2026. A self-confessed M.S. Dhoni fan, she is training alongside experienced teammates ahead of the Games.

Prithika is a World youth silver medallist and won a World Cup Stage silver medal in 2025. She topped the Asiad selection trials and went on to claim an individual bronze and a team silver at World Cup Stage-4 in Madrid this year. The Nagercoil-born archer was brought up in Pune and says she initially took up archery as a hobby because she liked the name of the sport.

She is sharpening her skills at the Sonipat camp with senior teammates V. Jyothi Surekha and Chikitha Taniparthi. "After winning the Madrid medals, I have gained in confidence. But now that is over. I have to focus on the Asian Games. Here, I get to learn by training with the seniors. They share their experience. Jyothi didi tells me to stay calm and give my best without taking pressure," Prithika told The Hindu.

Prithika cites M.S. Dhoni as her favourite and says she admires his mindset, calmness and quick decision-making; she also names Novak Djokovic as another favourite and reads books on Dhoni. She has said that last year’s inaugural Archery Premier League helped her development by giving her confidence and exposure to foreign archers who shared their experience.

Her daily routine includes meditation, warm-up, training, playing matches and gym work as she fine-tunes her individual game. "We also train for team events — both women’s and mixed team, as we pair up with different male archers," she said, indicating simultaneous preparation for team disciplines.

Prithika continues to combine individual preparation with team practices at the Sonipat camp as she prepares for her Asian Games debut in both individual and team competitions.