In the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic, many people sought out new experiences and challenges to keep themselves stimulated. Parimi Srinivas Chowdary from India found his inspiration in his daughter’s journey into the world of archery. Little did he know that this decision would lead him to become a remarkable archer himself and take part in the 2023 Asia Pacific Masters Games held in Jeonbuk.
In 2021, Parimi felt the need to explore new avenues after the initial wave of the pandemic. His daughter, Sanhitha, was 11 years old at the time, and he wanted to introduce her to a sport that would instil both physical fitness and mental strength. After extensive research, Srinivas discovered that archery perfectly encapsulated these qualities. After observing Sanhitha’s training sessions for some time, a spark was ignited within Parimi. Instead of sitting idle, he was determined to lead by example and take up archery alongside his daughter in order to be her “first competitor”.
Parimi devoted himself to countless hours of training, honing his skills, and refining his technique. His persistence and hard work paid off when he participated in his first competition, the 5th Masters Telangana State Meet, securing two gold medals. This triumph inspired him to pursue greater challenges. Now, Parimi finds himself at the Asia Pacific Masters Games, marking his first foray into international competition. Expressing his gratitude, he says, “I’m glad I’ve been participating in such a marvellous event. The grounds are excellent, and the entire event is so well organised.” Srinivas also acknowledges the warm hospitality he has received, praising the people of South Korea for being so welcoming.
Parimi’s story shows that you are never too late to start sport. What began as a father’s quest to encourage his daughter’s dreams, blossomed into a personal journey of growth and achievement. He now sets his sights on the upcoming 2024 Pan American Masters Games to be held in Cleveland, USA. Eager to share this experience with his family, he hopes to bring his daughter and loved ones along for the journey.
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