A month into the book, which aims to help readers become the “best version of yourself in every game and in life,” Jadhav states he has also gained valuable insights on handling pressure during major events as he prepares for the Asian Games in Japan this September-October.
“I began reading ‘The Winner’s Mindset’ by Shane Watson about a month ago. My primary goal was to decrease the time I spent on my phone. However, I’ve acquired significant knowledge on managing pressure and maintaining focus during competitions,” Jadhav shared during a conversation with SAI (Sports Authority of India) Media.
In the book, the former T20 dynamo draws from his on-field experiences to provide an “easy-to-understand mental skills framework that prepares one for every situation, reducing stress and anxiety.”
Mental resilience and patience have been essential traits for Jadhav throughout his career. The 25-year-old faced seven years of setbacks before claiming his first national title, which subsequently earned him a spot on the Indian team.
It was the unwavering support and sacrifices made by his family that propelled Jadhav through those challenging times.
“I started archery relatively late, at 19. My family was immensely supportive. In fact, they sacrificed more than I did. They stood by me during those tough years, offering support in every possible way.
“It took seven years for me to secure my first medal at the national level. It was a true test of patience and resilience, as every year I narrowly missed out,” Jadhav remembered.
He won his first national medal in 2024—a gold—before achieving international success by becoming the champion in the individual category and securing a team silver at the World University Games last year.
The Satara native is in excellent form this year, having earned a bronze medal in the men’s individual compound event at the Archery World Cup 2026 Stage 2 in Shanghai.
“As I stood on the podium, I reflected on my parents, their sacrifices, and all the struggles I faced over the past few years,” he stated.
While he is confident in his own performance, Jadhav believes the Indian team must focus on “minor details” to compete against global archery powerhouses like South Korea, China, and Japan at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya.
“The selection trials for the Indian team are among the toughest in the world. Earning our spots means we have what it takes to compete with the best.
“However, sometimes our archers falter under pressure, commit minor mistakes, or fall short by one or two points. We have lost bronze medals in three World Cups because of this,” he noted.
“We need to tackle this problem. If we give our all, there should be no obstacles.” Jadhav is currently training at SAI’s National Centre of Excellence, and the Asian Games will be his most significant international event to date.
“The training conditions here are ideal. I’ve been training at SAI for the past 3-4 years. We owe a lot to SAI for their support with our training, accommodation, meals, equipment, and other facilities.
“In fact, SAI is a vital factor behind my international success,” he concluded.
