Indian archers Dhiraj Bommedevara, an Olympian, and Jyothi Surekha Vennam, an Asian Games gold medallist, have praised the sports schemes and structural reforms introduced under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying the country's sporting ecosystem has undergone a fundamental transformation. Speaking at a press conference facilitated by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) in New Delhi on 26 May, both athletes noted that athletes and federations no longer need to chase the system for world-class equipment, foreign exposure, or financial backing.

What the Athletes Said

Dhiraj, who will represent India in the recurve category at the Asian Games 2026, described the shift as a reversal of roles between athletes and the state apparatus. 'I honestly feel that the government's support is increasing. The biggest change I have seen is that earlier, whether it was the athletes or the federation, we had to approach the system and say, ‘If we want to be at the top of the world, we need this.’ But now, the system comes to us and asks, ‘What do you need to be at the top?’' he said.

He added that the support has grown consistently since 2017, with backing from SAI and federations scaling up each year. 'We now have a free hand with no obstacles in our way. Being asked directly what we need is the ultimate game-changer,' Dhiraj said.

Jyothi, who is set to compete in her fourth consecutive Asian Games, echoed the sentiment. 'A lot has changed in terms of opportunities and infrastructure. We now have world-class facilities in India. There is substantial funding to improve sports, covering exposure, equipment upgrades, foreign coaches, and international tournaments,' she said. She also credited the Khelo India scheme for identifying grassroots talent and channelling athletes into elite training centres.

Financial Support Under TOPS

The remarks came in the context of PM Modi completing 12 years in office, with both archers reflecting on changes during his tenure. Dhiraj has received approximately ₹66.28 lakh in support so far under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic cycle. Jyothi, who is part of the TOPS core group, has received close to ₹24.56 lakh in support during the same period.

Exposure Camps and Ongoing Preparations

Earlier this year, a foreign training camp in Mexico was organised from 26 March to 5 April ahead of the Archery World Cup Stage 1, under NTPC CSR support at a total cost of ₹57.42 lakh. The camp included Dhiraj, Jyothi, Deepika Kumari, and Atanu Das, providing the squad with international training exposure ahead of the competitive season.

A Senior National Archery Coaching Camp is currently underway at the SAI National Centre of Excellence in Sonipat from 20 May to 7 June, bringing together 16 elite archers across recurve and compound categories. Coaches and sports science staff are focused on building combinations, consistency, and medal readiness for the Asian Games and upcoming World Cup stages.

Road to Asian Games 2026

To sharpen their preparation ahead of the Aichi-Nagoya edition of the Games, Asiad-bound archers will attend an exposure camp in Japan from 5 to 18 September. The Asian Games 2026 are scheduled for 19 September to 4 October. With structured support, consistent funding, and a pipeline of international exposure, India's archery contingent appears better placed than at any previous point in the country's multi-sport cycle.