Name: Sanjali Mitra

Age: 17.

School: The Heritage School.

Aim to fame: The Class XII student of science won an overall silver at the 57th National School Games and Sports in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, in November 2011. Individually, she bagged gold in 50m, bronze in 60m, and silver in 70m and 30m (fita round). That’s not all, the West Bengal team she was a part of won bronze at the national meet too.

Starting Point: All students of Heritage School from Class IV have to pick a sport and Sanjali aimed for archery. “I picked archery because I wanted to explore a sport that people our age are sceptical about pursuing. I started practising while I was in Class VIII. With each passing day, I started doing better and the credit goes to my coach Jayanta Chakraborty for guiding me and my parents for being so encouraging and supportive,” chirped the young star.

First Taste of success: In 2009, Sanjali was placed second (Indian round) in the State School Games and Sports, competing against 16 schools held at The Heritage School.

The next target: With the State School Games and Sports coming up in October-November, Sanjali is getting ready to hit bullseye, practising for an hour every day after class in school. Her ultimate aim is to make a career out of her passion and represent India internationally in archery.

success mantra: “Unlike other sports, where exercise and fitness are of utmost importance, for archery one needs to have concentration and accurate vision,” she explained. To concentrate better, the spunky teen meditates every day for an hour in the evening.

family matters: Her family is not all that into sports but is awfully proud of her.

Success Mantra: “Winning and losing are part of the game but that does not stop me from working hard. I have patience and belief in myself” are the wise words from the determined lady.

Favourite Archer: Deepika Kumari.

Text: Swarnalata Ghosh