Rising Indian archer Vaishnavi Pawar, supported by the Punit Balan Group, delivered an exceptional performance as the Indian recurve U-18 women’s team secured a silver medal at the 2024 Asian Youth Archery Championship in Taipei City, Chinese Taipei. Pawar, along with her teammates Pranjal Tholiya and Jannat, played a pivotal role in India’s journey to the finals, particularly by overcoming powerhouse South Korea in the semi-final round through a thrilling shoot-off.
In the final match against the host team, India made a stunning comeback from a 2-4 deficit to force another shoot-off for the gold medal. Although the hosts ultimately triumphed, the Indian team’s resilience and skill were widely applauded.
Reflecting on her achievement, Pawar said, “I am incredibly proud to represent India alongside my teammates. Beating South Korea in the semi-finals was a significant milestone, and I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support from the Punit Balan Group. This silver medal motivates me to aim higher and continue my journey.”
Hailing from Malkapur Village in Latur, Maharashtra, the 16-year-old Pawar is currently training in Pune, receiving financial and technical support from the Punit Balan Group. Punit Balan, Chairman and Managing Director of the group, praised Vaishnavi’s dedication and potential, stating, “Vaishnavi has proven that she can compete at the highest level. We will continue to support her dream of representing India at the world championships and the Olympics.”
In addition to her silver team medal, Vaishnavi reached the quarter-finals in the individual recurve category, further showcasing her rising talent in archery