Fifteen-year-old Joshitha Veeravalli clinched a gold medal in the Compound Olympic Round and a silver medal in the Qualification Round at the 69th National School Games (U-17) in Ranchi on Saturday. Representing the CBSE National Team, Joshitha delivered a standout performance that has drawn attention from coaches and archery circles nationwide.
Joshitha, a Class 10 student of Maharshi Vidya Mandir in Kondapur, is one of Telangana’s brightest young talents in Compound Archery. She began her archery journey in 2017 but suffered a setback during the COVID lockdown and she took a three-year break from the sport.
However, her return to the sport was marked by renewed focus and determination as she quickly re-established herself as one of Telangana’s most promising young archers. Interestingly, her biggest inspiration comes from home, her elder brother, Jaidev Veeravalli, who became a National Champion at the young age of 10. Training together, the siblings have made archery a shared passion, driving each other to excellence.
Joshitha trains at Arun Archery Academy in Kompally, under the guidance of Arun Kumar, an international archer and referee. Joshitha practices only on weekends but despite it she has shown exceptional precision, discipline, and consistency.
Her results reflect maturity beyond her age and position her as an athlete to watch in the coming years.
Joshitha comes from a family which has supported her ambitions. This has played a vital role in nurturing her sporting aspirations. Her mother, Dhanalakshmi is an IT professional, and her father V U M Rao works in pharma sales specializing in cancer drugs. He strongly believes in individual sports as a path to confidence and personal growth. Joshitha is balancing her studies and sports equally.
Her coach and mentor Arun Kumar is one of India’s most respected names in compound archery. An international archer and certified referee, he is also a leading archery equipment supplier in India, supporting athletes across the country with world-class gear and technical guidance.
As the founder of Arun Archery Academy, he has trained hundreds of young archers and is credited with shaping numerous state and national medalists. His coaching blends discipline, scientific technique, and mental focus, creating an environment where young athletes like Joshitha thrive. Parents and students across Telangana regard him as a dedicated guru who invests deeply in every child’s growth, both as an athlete and as a person.
