Madhura Dhamangaonkar: A journey of perseverance, resilience and a positive mindset

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The past two years have seen a powerful transformation for India’s rising compound archer, Madhura Dhamangaonkar.

From battling depression and contemplating leaving the sport, to capturing her first World Cup medals – her journey is one of perseverance, resilience and growing stronger through every challenge.

Years of hardships – not just physically but mentally – was rewarded in Shanghai a month ago, where she made her international breakthrough by winning individual compound women’s gold at the second stage of Hyundai Archery World Cup.  

“It has always been my dream to become a champion. It’s just the first step – there’s a long way [to go] for me. There’s Olympic now, which I want to qualify and win medals,” said an ecstatic Dhamangaonkar, who rallied to beat USA’s Carson Krahe, 139-138, in a thrilling final in China.

The 24-year-old Indian also added the women’s team silver, alongside Jyothi Surekha Vennam and Chikitha Taniparthi, and mixed team bronze with Abhishek Verma to her golden effort –  in a tournament that marked her return to the international circuit after three years.

“Shanghai will always hold a special place in my heart. It gave me my breakthrough win.”

“It’s the start of my career. My comeback – a dream comeback actually,” added the cheerful archer, who made her World Cup debut in 2022 in Medellin, Colombia.

The compound women’s individual final in Shanghai showcased Dhamangaonkar’s resolve and determination to reach her goals.

Trailing 81-85 after the third end, she staged a remarkable comeback to reclaim momentum and win her first international gold.

“Right from the start of the event till the last arrow, I aimed at maintaining my rhythm and my shooting form.”

“I had visualised playing and winning a medal on the podium for the past one year – so I was prepared for it,” said Dhamangaonkar, who is competing at the third stage of the circuit in Antalya this week.

The COVID-19 pandemic proved a turning point. Without access to training, her form dipped, her scores dropped in team trials, and frustration set in. She began to consider leaving the sport and pursuing higher studies.

But fate had other plans.

In November 2023, she made a bold decision – moving from her hometown of Amravati in Maharashtra to the regional sports centre in Sonepat, Haryana. It was her first step toward rebuilding her archery career.

Then, during the Indian national trials in Kolkata in January 2024, a casual conversation with fellow archer Prathamesh Fuge introduced her to coach Pravin Sawant.

It was the beginning of a transformation.

Sawant, who also coaches world champions Aditi Gopichand Swami and Ojas Pravin Deotale, runs the Drishti Archery Academy in Satara, Maharashtra.

Under his guidance – and with mental conditioning support from psychologist Hindola Kanala – Dhamangaonkar saw rapid improvement in both her shooting process and mindset.

The results followed.

She topped the national ranking tournament (in both individual and mixed events) and won the senior nationals with a personal best of 707.

“There’s a vast difference between the Madhura of 2023 and the Madhura of 2025. The biggest improvements have been in my shooting, confidence and mental strength,” she said.

“With Pravin sir, we did a lot of work on my shooting process and it built my confidence. There were also mental training with Hindola ma’am – where I trained on my breathing and visualisation.”

She also credits her training environment – especially her teammates – for her growth.

“There was strong support form my fellow teammates – Ojas, Aditi, Prathamesh and Sahil. We all had the same goals. Aditi and Ojas are already world champions, and to train with them was a big motivation.”

Throughout the journey, Dhamangaonkar drew strength from one constant source – her mother.

“She always told me: ‘Madhura, you can achieve everything with your confidence and positive nature’.”

That belief now drives her forward.

“Now I also believe that I can win major events. My next target is to become a world champion. But the most important thing – the hard work should continue.”