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12‑year‑old Sanaya Bhandari from Srinagar, Uttarakhand, has once again captured headlines with a sensational performance at the 9th Senior State Archery Championship held in Tihri Gadhwal on 17‑18 October. Competing against a field of roughly 130 senior‑class archers, the young prodigy secured **two silver medals and one bronze medal**—a remarkable haul for someone so young. She clinched the silver in the ranking round, besting seasoned competitors including a noted player from Almora. In the individual event, Sanaya earned a bronze, while her flawless teamwork in the mixed‑team event earned her another silver.
Behind this triumph is a disciplined training regimen guided by coach **Kuldeep Bist**, who has honed Sanaya’s technique and precision over the years. “Her focus and consistency are what set her apart,” Bist remarked after the event. Sanaya’s dedication is matched by her academic pursuits; she is currently a Class‑8 student at **Social Balloon Public School in Dehradun**. Her track record extends beyond state borders: she won **gold in the 30‑meter Indian Round** at the CBSE National Archery Championship, and captured **two golds at the CBSE North Zone Archery Championship (Under‑14)**. A silver medal at the 2025 Nainital state championship and participations in national meets in March 2025 (Andhra Pradesh) and November 2025 (Arunachal Pradesh) further underscore her growing prowess.
Sanaya’s success is a family affair. Her mother, **Arati Bhandari**, serves as the mayor of Srinagar Municipal Corporation, while her father, **Lakhpat Singh Bhandari**, is a former district panchayat member and active social worker. Despite their busy schedules, the Bhandari household remains steadfastly supportive, ensuring Sanaya has the resources and encouragement to pursue her sporting ambitions.
With her recent state‑level triumph, Sanaya has been selected to represent Uttarakhand at the upcoming national competition in **Shillong, Meghalaya, this November**. The 12‑year‑old is already setting her sights on the national stage, determined to translate her state‑level success into further accolades and to bring pride to her hometown and the entire state of Uttarakhand.
