From Archery Gold to Assam Rifles: Tapi’s Hetvi Chaudhary Takes Aim at New Mission

TAPI: From practising archery on a modest ground in Bodeli to preparing to serve the nation in the Assam Rifles, Hetvi Chaudhary’s journey is a story of grit, discipline and determination. The young archer from Tapi district has added another proud chapter to her career after being selected for the Assam Rifles under the sports quota.

Hetvi, a resident of Unchamala village in Vyara taluka, will join the force in the first week of September 2026. Her selection marks a remarkable transition from winning medals for India on the sporting field to taking up the responsibility of serving and protecting the country.

Her archery journey began when she was in Class 6. Inspired after watching coach Mukeshbhai Rathwa train on the Bodeli ground, Hetvi took up the sport with encouragement from her father, Mukeshbhai Chaudhary, a teacher.

Her hard work produced results quickly. She won a gold medal in her first national competition, setting the foundation for an impressive sporting career.

After initial training at Bodeli College, Hetvi joined the Dals Nadiad Archery Academy, where she underwent intensive training for three years. In November 2021, she became the first player from Gujarat to be selected for the National Centre of Excellence in Kolkata, finishing among the top four in the selection trials held in Haryana.

She subsequently spent three years training in Kolkata, where she had the opportunity to learn from Olympian Reena Kumari.

Hetvi went on to win medals and secure strong finishes in national and state-level competitions. Her achievements include a silver medal at the 2023 National Ranking Archery Tournament, a bronze in the 2024 final Khelo India NTPC National Ranking Tournament and top-six finishes in four Khelo India NTPC and national tournaments during 2023-24.

Her talent also earned her an 11-day specialised training stint in South Korea, further sharpening her skills and international exposure.

Now, Hetvi is preparing for a different kind of challenge.

“I am very proud. Till now, I played to bring glory to the country on the field. Now I have the opportunity to fight and play for the country,” Hetvi said.

Her father’s encouragement, her coaches’ guidance and years of relentless practice have transformed a rural sporting dream into a national opportunity.

For Tapi, Hetvi’s story is more than another medal-winning achievement. It is an example of how talent from remote areas can flourish when given the right opportunity, training and support.

The Tapi district administration and sports department have congratulated Hetvi on her selection, as her family and villagers prepare to celebrate her next chapter in national service.