When asked about what inspired her to become an archer, Deepika said that the reason that led her to take up the sport was not the love for archery, but the circumstances at home.
"I didn’t know anything about archery and was introduced to the sport in the 7th standard. On a visit to my grandma’s house one of my cousin, who was training to be an archer, taught me the basics. The only reason that I started the sport back then was to lessen the burden on my family," says the former world number one and Commonwealth gold medalist.
She further said, "My father was a bit hesitant in the beginning when I told him about my plans. As we come from a small district, he would at times get swayed by the societal pressure but eventually gave in and supported me in chasing my dream," adding that together, her parents helped her reach where she is today.
Deepika, on November exchanged rings with Atanu Das, a world no. 17 male archer.
Speaking about her engagement, a 24-year-old Deepika told that neither of them proposed each other. "It happened very organically between us. Both of us liked each other and hence decided to spend the rest of our lives together."
Deepika, who is to get married this year, told that she is going to continue playing after marriage as well. She said, "As much as I am excited to start the new innings, my current focus is at the most important stretch of my career- the road to the 2020 Olympics and am training hard for it."
The duo, who were part of the Indian contingent at Rio Olympics, is going to tie the knot in November, this year.
For all the young, aspiring female athletes, Deepika urged them to keep their heads down and work hard to chase their dreams.
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