Gatha in the making: Teen archer readies for WC debut

The 15-year-old has earned a spot in the women's recurve team for the World Cup in Madrid and World Championship in Gwangju

- Rutvick Mehta

MUMBAI: Even though it wasn't among her fondest memories, archer Gatha Khadake vividly remembers the exchange of words with Deepika Kumari at the National Games in Uttarakhand this February.

Years junior to India's star archer in both age and experience, Gatha had just lost to her in the semi-final after forcing a shoot-off — Deepika shot a 10 to Gatha's 8 — at the end of a deadlocked 5-5 scoreline. It was the first time Gatha had stepped onto the field to compete against the four-time Olympian, and she walked away feeling somewhat crestfallen despite the tough tussle.

"I was a little sad, but she (Deepika) told me, 'Don't worry, you will be around to play a lot more,' Gatha recalled.

A few months on, the 15-year-old has earned a spot alongside the 31-year-old Deepika in the Indian women's recurve team for next month's World Cup Stage 4 in Madrid and the World Championship in Gwangju in September.