T. Karthikeyan, an eighth standard student of the Isha Vidhya Vanavasi school will be participating in the European Indoor Archery Championship 2014, after winning the silver at the national championship.

T. Karthikeyan, an eighth standard student of the Isha Vidhya Vanavasi school won the silver medal for the individual spot and in the overall Mumbai Mayor Cup, which concluded on July 13 at Mumbai. The competition was conducted by the Field Archery Association of India. Karthikeyan now qualifies and will be participating in the European Indoor Archery Championship 2014 from October 30th to November 1st in San Marino. The competition is being organized by the International Field Archery Association.

Karthikeyan’s achievement is a story of commitment and dedication from him and his family. Coming from an economically weaker section of society, Karthikeyan’s father, who works as a waiter, was determined to ensure his son receives a good education. Fortunately, he was able to enroll him in the Isha Vidhya school through a donor-funded full scholarship. The school offers high-quality English-medium education and includes several extracurricular activities. Recognizing his natural aptitude for archery, the school administration encouraged him to train in the sport.

Karthikeyan’s introduction to archery was a fortunate accident. One day he happened to visit a friend at the Government District Stadium in Salem, where he saw a bow with a few arrows lying around. Picking up the bow and arrow, he aimed at and hit the target without effort. Seeing the ease with which he was hitting the target, the district coach offered to train him in archery. Mr. Madan is now coaching him and other students at Isha Vidhya.

Karthikeyan will also be contesting in the National Indoor Archery Championship 2014 at the Hotwar Indoor Stadium, Ranchi. The competition will be conducted from 28th to 31st August 2014. Any Isha Vidhya well-wishers are welcome to turn up and cheer him on at the competition!