After facing a setback to his own career due to injury, Pawan Singh Rajput, founded an academy to train young athletes. Transitioning from competitive archery to mentorship, he is driven by practice-based philosophy, resilience and an athlete-first development approach.

Pawan Singh Rajput is building a strong foundation in Archery Training through his academy, Eklavya Archery Academy, located at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee campus, Indore, where he is actively involved in training young athletes with a structured and disciplined approach. His focus lies in developing archery at the grassroots level, working closely with children and introducing them to the sport with proper technical guidance and consistency.

At his academy, training begins with a clear and systematic process designed especially for beginners. Students from under-9 to under-15 age groups are trained, ensuring that both very young and growing athletes receive the right exposure. The initial phase starts with basic understanding and physical control, where practice is conducted using therabands to build strength, posture, and technique. Once the fundamentals are developed, students are gradually introduced to the Indian round bow, allowing them to step into practical archery with a strong base.

Pawan Singh’s connection with Archery began at a very early stage of life. Although originally belonging to Bihar, he spent his childhood in Dhar, where his father was associated with the Sports Authority of India. Being in that environment, watching athletes practice and compete regularly, created a natural inclination in him towards sports. Observing archery closely sparked his interest, and this exposure eventually led him to take up the sport seriously in 2004.

Over the years, his dedication translated into significant achievements at the national level. He participated in 22 national competitions and won four All India silver medals, marking his presence as a competitive archer. However, a shoulder injury in 2014 became a turning point, forcing him to step away from active participation.

Instead of disconnecting from the sport, he chose to remain within the field by shifting his focus towards training and mentoring. This transition allowed him to pass on his experience and knowledge to the next generation, ensuring that young athletes receive the guidance and opportunities that shape their growth in archery.

Growing up in Dhar, a town located around 60 kilometers from Indore, Pawan Singh Rajput’s early life remained deeply rooted in Madhya Pradesh, where he completed his schooling and continued his education up to graduation. His academic path later aligned with his passion for sports, leading him to complete B.P.Ed and further prepare himself for advanced professional training through NIS. From a very young age, his focus remained singular and clearly defined, as archery was not just an interest but a fixed goal, leaving little room for distraction towards any other field.

His mindset has been consistently guided by a principle he learned early in life, reflected in the lines:

“करत-करत अभ्यास के, जड़मति होत सुजान।
रसरी आवत जात तें, सिल पर परत निसान।”

….. which emphasizes the power of continuous practice. This belief shaped his approach towards growth, reinforcing the idea that repeated effort, even in the face of failure, ultimately leads to mastery and success. Staying committed to the process and maintaining focus on the goal became a defining factor in his development.

His path, however, was not without challenges. Archery as a sport demands expensive equipment, and during his early phase, financial limitations created significant hurdles. Despite these constraints, competing at the same level as others remained necessary, as performance in competition is not determined by background but by execution.

Managing training and achieving results under such conditions required resilience and determination, making this phase particularly demanding. These experiences now influence his perspective as a coach, where he actively advises parents and students about the importance of both financial and mental support, recognizing that a balanced support system plays a critical role in an athlete’s progress.

When it comes to guiding newcomers, his approach remains straightforward and practical. He emphasizes that the most essential requirement is self-belief and a clear internal commitment. Skills can always be learned through proper training, but without the right mindset and willingness to give full effort, progress becomes difficult. According to him, being mentally prepared to dedicate oneself completely to the sport is the primary foundation for achieving success.

Extending this perspective further, he strongly believes in the role of encouragement within any field, especially sports. Instead of discouraging or doubting someone’s efforts, he advocates consistent motivation and support, whether financial, physical, or emotional. Creating a positive environment not only helps individuals grow but also ensures that their achievements carry a sense of gratitude and connection toward those who supported them.

Eklavya Archery Academy owner Pawan Singh Rajput’s inspiration comes from his own mentor, whose experiences and struggles left a lasting impact on him. Observing his coach’s growth and understanding the challenges faced during earlier stages created a strong sense of respect and aspiration in him. Seeing his mentor rise to the level of coaching the Indian team reinforced his belief in perseverance, and he now aims to follow a similar path—continuing to contribute to the sport while motivating and shaping future athletes.